Full steam ahead for relief operations

Photo By Cpl. Shelby Shields | Lance Cpl. James Walker, a field military policeman with III Marine Expeditionary Force, helps members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines load and deliver more than 1,900 "family food packs" to three separate sites in Mandahan, Panteros and Kienta, Oct. 2, to those affected by the flood.  

10.09.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Shelby Shields 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ketsana that struck the Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 25, U.S. Marines and sailors based in Japan have come to the aid of the Filipino people

During the past week more than 2,000 Marines and sailors of III Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Navy ships carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have assisted the Philippine government in providing relief to the hard hit areas around the Philippine capital of Manila.

More than 9,300 "family food packs," including bottled water, have been distributed around the capital. More than 1,400 medical and dental patients have been treated by Navy personnel and more than 18 tons of clothes, shoes and personal items have been distributed. U.S. service members also are assisting in debris-removal operations along side Filipino troops.

During "food drop" missions, the Philippine and U.S. military team used different transportation methods to deliver the "family food packs." Crowded streets and heavy traffic initially proved to be obstacles for military vehicles conducting relief convoys. To overcome these obstacles, the Philippine national police volunteered police escorts to ensure an efficient movement of relief supplies to affected areas.

"The first day was chaos trying to navigate the streets," said Cpl. Theodore Ramlal, 28, a motor transport operator with III MEF, a Morris Plains, N.J., native. "Once we got the police escorts, the food convoys were able to navigate the roads a lot faster, smoother and safer."

In addition to food drops, the Philippine and U.S. military team executed medical and dental civil action projects to offer medical and dental assistance. The medical and dental teams treated minor medical issues and provided antibiotics, antifungal creams, and vitamins.

In terms of destruction, "we've seen things here that we haven't seen before," said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Endicott, a medical officer with III MEF and a Yakima, Wash., native.

Philippine and U.S. military engineers and local community members are removing debris from impassable streets at multiple sites in Manila and surrounding areas. U.S. forces are also repairing dikes and drainage systems so the Philippine government can resume basic services.

Thus far, more than 15 dump truck-sized loads of debris have been removed from Manila.

Troops have also delivered more than 18 tons of clothes, shoes and toys to the Philippines as part of relief efforts. More than 700 boxes of personal items, which were donated by U.S. military families in Japan, have been flown to Manila. The donated boxes, each weighing about 50 pounds, contain clothing and personal items sorted by gender and age. U.S. military planners are working alongside their Filipino counterparts at the National Crisis Center in Manila to review, assess and prioritize relief efforts and projects.

A team of approximately 100 personnel comprised of III MEF Marines flew from Okinawa to the Philippines Sept. 29 to conduct humanitarian assistance assessments.
On Sept. 30, U.S. Navy ships USS Denver, USS Tortuga and USS Harpers Ferry, with embarked Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU set sail from Okinawa for the Philippines.

On Oct. 1, Brig. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, flew from Okinawa to the Philippines to lead the planning and humanitarian assistance efforts. The USS Tortuga and USS Harpers Ferry are currently in Subic Bay providing support to operations ashore.

Marines and sailors are also providing support in the wake of an earthquake in Indonesia.

The troops are steaming toward West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, aboard the USS Denver in response to Indonesian government requests for help in the aftermath of a 7.6 earthquake that struck West Sumatra, Sept. 30.

The USS Denver with its embarked 31st MEU and heavy-lift helicopters were diverted from the Philippines to Padang, Indonesia.

The Navy destroyer USS McCampbell and the dry-cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd are also en route to Indonesia.

The Secretary of Defense authorized $7 million for relief operations in Indonesia.

• Date Taken: 10.09.2009
• Date Posted: 10.13.2009 00:47
• Story ID: 39998