JAXPORT recognizes Jacksonville-area leaders from U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI

During the Sept. 26 meeting of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Board of Directors, JAXPORT recognized division leaders from the three federal agencies who help facilitate the safe and secure movement of cargo through JAXPORT’s facilities.

Chair Wendy Hamilton and Chief Executive Officer Eric Green presented commemorative plaques to Capt. Janet Espino-Young, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville; Area Port Director Jennifer Bradshaw, from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Area Port of Jacksonville; and Special Agent in Charge Sherri Onks from the FBI Jacksonville Field Office.

“For the first time that we’re aware of, all three of these federal agencies that play a vital role in our ability to move cargo seamlessly through Jacksonville are led by women, and we are here today to celebrate that,” said Green.

“Our success is a testament to your dedication and leadership,” said Hamilton.

More than 1,500 vessels carrying a total of 10 million tons of cargo move through JAXPORT each year. The strength and capabilities of port partners in the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP and FBI help JAXPORT keep cargo flowing seamlessly through Jacksonville.

“It’s great to have such wonderful partners across the region,” said Capt. Espino-Young. “I arrived here in July, and our port community has been very supportive and welcoming. It’s an honor to serve as the Captain of the Port of Jacksonville.”

“We are one of the few agencies that have regulation as well as facilitation and enforcement,” said Area Port Director Bradshaw. “Those aren’t always three easy balls to keep in the air—but partners like Eric, the rest of the JAXPORT team and our federal partners make that easy for me.”

“I’m honored to stand beside these two women,” said Special Agent in Charge Onks. “I’m hopeful that young women today will see women - Janet, Jennifer and myself - and that they too want to follow in the footsteps to follow their dreams but also to serve.”

JAXPORT is Florida’s largest container port and one of the nation’s top vehicle ports. Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supports 138,000 Florida jobs and $31 billion in total economic output.