U.S. Northern Command is sending the commander of its Joint Force Land Component Command to serve as the Defense Department's primary liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as hurricane response efforts transition from a sea-based to a land-based operation.
Army Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan is scheduled to arrive later today in Puerto Rico and is expected to link with FEMA and Puerto Rico officials to lead Northcom's efforts in response and recovery. Previously, Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey W. Hughes, the Expeditionary Strike Group 2 commander, was Northcom's senior officer leading efforts in support of FEMA in the joint operating area.
Northcom continues 24-hour operations, officials said, supporting FEMA in the areas of logistics, commodity distribution and hospital sustainment.