Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Flynn | Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Santana, assigned to Fleet Logistics Support...... read more read more
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As U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and Joint Task Force Guantanamo continue support of disaster relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12, a joint logistics hub at the naval station and the air terminal has been established to coordinate and lead humanitarian relief efforts to the island. During operations, the air terminal tempo is practically non-stop.
"Our team is working hard and saving lives," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Santana. "We are proud to be part of this mission and helping the people of Haiti."
Task Force 48 has been tasked to coordinate the deliver this aid to Haiti. "GTMO is obviously a critical asset to meet the strategic needs in this region," according to a press statement released by Task Force 48. "The military personnel here are working non-stop, around the clock, coordinating the air and sea assets to deliver immediate, life-saving supplies to Haiti," said Navy Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, commander of Task Force 48.
Military and base personnel are working around the clock to coordinate transport of supplies to Haiti. This rapid lift of water, food and medical supplies, including blood donations, will help the devastated country.
"We are all here doing what we signed up for," said Navy Lt. Kimberly Gentner, with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14. Gentner praised those working at the air terminal for their hard work in ensuring heavy cargo, food, water and medical supplies are transported from the terminal to Haiti. From operations, flight control, humanitarian assistances providers, cargo handlers and logistics specialists, the team assembled at the air terminal requires a wide range of technical skills needed for mission success.
In any joint mission or task force, communication is paramount for success.
"The level of cooperation we received from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is exceptional," said Navy Lt. Devin Lewis, detachment maintenance officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron. "Although logistics is always a challenge, we work extremely hard knowing we are saving lives."
Additionally, the professional crew working behind the scenes is invaluable to the success of the mission. At the air terminal, the important task of coordinating the personnel manifest is organized by Sailors from the naval station. Checking luggage, following U.S. travel guidelines and documenting personnel arriving and departing the island is necessary to ensure accountability and safety.
"The people of Haiti need our help and I'm glad to be part of this important mission," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Sanders, an arrival coordinator at the air terminal. Sanders credited his team with assisting more than 700 military personnel and civilians in arriving or departing the island since Jan. 21. "Every job is important and the ultimate goal is to ensure the supplies reach the people of Haiti."
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2010 16:34 |
| Story ID: | 44469 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 910 |
| Downloads: | 744 |
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