Coast Guard, CBP cut ribbon on new joint operations facility

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Soto | Capt. Jeff Dixon, left, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, and Jennifer Bradshaw, right, Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director for Jacksonville, cut the ribbon during a ceremony March 30, 2016, in Jacksonville, Florida. The ceremony was held to observe the official opening of a new Coast Guard and CBP joint facility. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony L. Soto  

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

03.30.2016

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Lehmann 

U.S. Coast Guard District 7 PADET Jacksonville   

Since 2007, CBP and USCG, have attempted to co-locate at the Port of Jacksonville in order to reduce costs and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of joint field operations. This state of the art facility will allow CBP and the USCG to continue advancements in collaboration and partnership.

Benefits of having one building include reduced redundancies for construction and maintenance while providing shared spaces for all components to work collaboratively, in a maritime environment. Building features include:

• Adequate parking space for all personnel
• USCG Command Center which will serve as the nucleus of all Sector operations
• State-of-the-art IT equipment
• Enhanced physical security
• Detention facilities
• Office space
• Meeting rooms for CBP and USCG events
• Fitness and locker rooms
• Space for functions
• Canine facilities

Diane Sabatino, CBP Director of Field Operations for Miami, closed by thanking CBP leadership, the USCG, the General Services Administration, and Congressman Crenshaw for their support of the much needed space and for seeing the importance of working together in a workspace that promotes safety, and inspires collaboration and partnership. She went on to say, “I want to thank the team who worked so hard to make this happen, and I look forward to seeing all the great things that are going to happen here.”

"This move reflects the close working relationship we have benefited from for years," said Capt. Jeff Dixon, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.

In addition to CBP and USCG leadership, partners from other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and congressional and community leaders were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the new integrated facility.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2016
• Date Posted: 03.30.2016 13:31
• Story ID: 193885
• Location: JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US