NEW ORLEANS- Local citizens and visitors will begin seeing an increased Coast Guard presence in the air and on the water as Coast Guard units begin operating an increased patrol schedule in preparation for New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl and BCS Bowl festivities here.
The increased security initiatives will include extra patrols, deployment of additional crewmembers and resources, and joint cooperation with local law enforcement to keep New Orleans citizens and visitors safe on and around the water.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans crews will provide increased small boat patrols of the Mississippi River to protect maritime facilities and vessels, and monitor for any suspicious activity.
Crews from Marine Safety & Security Team New Orleans and crews from the Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon will patrol the river daily maintaining a security presence, conducting patrols and boardings.
Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans crews will fly law enforcement overflights with the HH-65C Dolphin helicopter, assisting local law enforcement by monitoring for suspicious or dangerous behavior.
