CBP Uses Predator In Gustav Response And Recovery

Defense Daily, Sept 9, 2008

As part of the Department of Homeland Security's response to Hurricane Gustav, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) last week flew one of its Predator B Unmanned Aircraft Systems around the New Orleans area over a three-day period to provide live video of critical infrastructure for any possible damage.

The unmanned aircraft, built by General Atomics, was piloted by CBP Air and Marine agents in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The Predator, equipped with a Lynx radar system also supplied by General Atomics, surveyed levee conditions to detect damage, identify post-event trouble spots, and aided search and rescue personnel by providing live streaming video to federal, state and local officials, CBP said this week.

"The UAS is providing real-time situational awareness to officials at all levels so they have the best information to identify needs and best determine how to prioritize the government's resources," Michael Kostelnik, assistant commissioner for CBP Air and Marine, said in a statement.

In addition to the Predator, CBP also flew its Cheyenne PA-42A High Endurance Tracker and Orion P-3 reconnaissance aircraft to provide pre-landfall imagery of DHS-designated critical infrastructure and post-landfall needs assessment. The P-3 is supplied by Lockheed Martin [LMT] and the PA-42A is supplied by Textron [TXT].

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