Posted on Sat, Jan. 01, 2005
Military Assets Helping Tsunami Victims
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has committed considerable forces to help Tsunami
victims. The efforts include:
_Three military assessment teams in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. The
teams are working with the host nations to assess the situation and rush
supplies to the most critical areas.
_The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group is operating off the island of
Sumatra, and helicopters assigned to the group are ferrying supplies into the
region and flying casualties out.
_The USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is rushing to the area.
The group is scheduled to move to Sri Lanka, although the assignment could
change.
_More military airlifters are scheduled to go to the region. Two to four C-17
Globemaster III cargo jets will help in the effort, as will six more C-130
Hercules transports. Twelve more helicopters six CH-53s and six CH-46s are
moving to the area.
_C-130s and helicopters already on the scene are ferrying relief supplies to
the hardest-hit areas.
_Pre-positioned ships from Diego Garcia and Guam will arrive soon with relief
supplies including water and water-making capacity. The ships also carry trucks
and heavy construction equipment that will enable host nations to reopen roads.
_About 350 U.S. personnel are manning Joint Task Force 536 in Utapao, Thailand.
P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft and C-130s are operating out of the base.
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