von ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sept. 13, 2010 — U.S. military aircraft supporting Pakistan’s flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone Sept. 11, exceeding 5 million pounds of relief supplies delivered since U.S. military relief flight operations in Pakistan began Aug. 5.
To date, U.S. military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, working in close partnership with the Pakistan military, have transported more than 5.4 million pounds of relief supplies and rescued more than 13,000 people, delivering much-needed aid and providing transport to people who urgently need emergency assistance.
The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 16th Combat Aviation Brigade are providing 30 helicopters to support relief operations. Eighteen U.S. helicopters are operating out of Ghazi Air Base in northern Pakistan, eight are operating out of Pano Aqil Air Base in southern Pakistan, and four helicopters are at Chaklala Air Base being prepared for follow-on missions.
Meanwhile, U.S. military C‑130 and C‑17 cargo aircraft also have been providing airlift support to Pakistan. The C‑17, the second-largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, has the capacity to carry 90,000 pounds of supplies. Together with Marine Corps and Air Force C‑130s, these aircraft have delivered more than 2 million pounds of relief supplies to multiple locations throughout the country, including Skardu, Quetta, Jacobabad, Sharea Faisal and Gilgit.
U.S. flood relief support to Pakistan is being provided through a whole-of-government, interagency response. Relief efforts are being coordinated through the U.S. Embassy here, in full consultation with the Pakistan government, including Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and other agencies.
Source:
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)