Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20051610945Story by Cpl. Ryan Walker
ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, UTAPAO, Kingdom of Thailand (Jan. 6, 2005) -- More than 13,000 U.S. servicemembers with Combined Support Force 536 are working with international militaries and non-governmental organizations in support of Operation Unified Assistance, a massive international response to help the victims of the tsunami disaster. Many nations including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom have joined the U.S. here in support of the humanitarian effort, led by the III Marine Expeditionary Force based at Okinawa, Japan.“
The forward presence of Marines on Okinawa significantly contributes to U.S. ability to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and to alleviate human suffering,” said CSF-536 and III MEF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman.
Combined forces are working around the clock to deliver the necessary supplies to minimize the loss of life and mitigate human suffering.
About 90 U.S. aircraft and helicopters have transported more than 610,000 pounds of food, water and life-sustaining supplies to the affected people lacking basic survival needs, according to a Department of Defense report. Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Sullivan, an aviation warfare systems operator with the USS Abraham Lincoln, delivered aid supplies to people in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
“The condition of the people has been improving over the past few days," Sullivan said. “We’re all focused on getting in there and helping out.”
Fourteen U.S. Navy ships are in the region or on the way to support the humanitarian effort. The ships are capable of producing 450,000 gallons of drinking water daily. According to U.S. government sources, the estimated death toll from the tsunamis is more than 150,000 in Southeast Asia. In addition to the thousands of dead and missing, about 3 million people are lacking basic survival needs.
Last week President George W. Bush committed $350 million toward earthquake and tsunami relief and recovery efforts. “Many nations from the world are focused on doing everything in their power to aid the people tragically affected by this unfortunate natural disaster,” said CSF-536 public affairs officer Maj. Brad S. Bartelt. “Not only are we bringing food and supplies, but we are also bringing hope to people who have lost so much.”
COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Marines and airmen load humanitarian aid supplies onto a UH-60 rescue helicopter here Jan. 6. More than 13,000 U.S. Marines, sailors, airmen, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen with Combined Support Force 536 are working with international militaries and non-governmental organizations to aid the affected people of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake Dec. 26 triggered devastating tsunamis. Many nations including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom have joined the U.S. here to support Operation Unified Assistance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarayuth Pinthong) Photo by: Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarayuth
ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, UTAPAO, Kingdom of Thailand – Army Lt. Col. Larry D. Connell discusses humanitarian aid plans with Combined Support Force 536 leaders supporting Operation Unified Assistance here Jan. 6. More than 13,000 Marines, sailors, airmen, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen with Combined Support Force 536 are working with international militaries and non-governmental organizations to aid the affected people of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake Dec. 26 triggered devastating tsunamis. Many nations including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom have joined the U.S. here to support Operation Unified Assistance. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris) Photo by: Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
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