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    Combined Task Force 48: Leading the way, helping people

    Combined Task Force 48: Leading the Way, Helping People

    Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Flynn | As part of Operation Unified Response, Combined Task Force 48 was established, Jan....... read more read more

    Saving lives, helping people and providing humanitarian relief during devastation has always been a cornerstone of the U.S. military. It is in that historic spirit that Operation Unified Response was organized by the U.S. government within days of the Jan. 12 devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

    This rapid deployment sent people, food, supplies and medical assistance to the crippled island nation.

    Due to its close proximity to Haiti, U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay was selected to play an integral part in delivering humanitarian relief. Therefore, Combined Task Force 48 was established, Jan. 17, to be the parent organization "owning" the operation of a Joint Logistic Hub.

    "The military personnel here are working non-stop, coordinating the air and sea assets to deliver immediate, lifesaving supplies to Haiti," said Navy Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, CTF 48 commander. "Guantanamo Bay is a critical asset to meet the strategic needs in this region. We're using all conceivable means to get supplies to Haiti where they are needed."

    This small naval base, located in the heart of the Caribbean, has a long and proud tradition of using its strategic location to provide humanitarian assistance and support to the countries in this region. CTF 48 used both air and sea assets to provide the humanitarian relief in support of the citizens of Haiti. Joint Task Force Guantanamo partnered with the naval station to assist in this operation, providing expertise and local knowledge for the coordination and delivery of supplies and aid.

    Operations took place in every pocket and corner of the installation. The air terminal at Guantanamo Bay hosted a variety of aircraft. The sea port at the naval station accepted various military and international ships and allowed them to dock at the naval station to pick up, transfer and deliver supplies.

    "I am proud to be here and part of this humanitarian relief effort," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Taiwo Samson, a passenger processing coordinator at the air terminal at the naval station. "The people of Haiti need our help. This is why I enlisted in the Navy. To be part of helping people in need. This is an incredible experience and feeling." Samson, who is permanently assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, was temporarily assigned to CTF 48 to coordinate passenger and relief supplies to Haiti.

    "Being part of this task force is something I'll always remember," said Navy Seaman Claudia Losco, another crew member of Roosevelt temporarily attached to the task force. "Although it was fast-paced in a demanding environment, everyone worked together as a team."

    Since the task force was established, the Logistics Hub has been the focal point for the receipt and transfer of more than 1,860,000 bottles of water, 962,000 individual meal rations and 850 pallets filled with urgent medical supplies and equipment to the Haiti joint area of operations.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.26.2010
    Date Posted: 03.04.2010 12:01
    Story ID: 46153
    Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU

    Web Views: 368
    Downloads: 241

    PUBLIC DOMAIN