By the American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - The U.S. military has delivered more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia.
As of Aug. 22, 2008, 36 missions had been flown by Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft as well as Navy C-9 Skytrain, C-130 Hercules and C-40 Clipper aircraft, U.S. European Command officials said.
Two U.S. ships are on the way, with nearly 95 tons of humanitarian supplies to be taken to eastern Georgia. Guided missile destroyer USS McFaul left port in Souda Bay, Crete, Aug. 21, 2008, loaded with 72 pallets of relief supplies. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Dallas departed the next day with 50 pallets. The 378-foot-long high-endurance cutter is home ported in Charleston, S.C., and is currently operating with the U.S. 6th fleet based out of Naples, Italy.
"Everyone has done a wonderful job of pulling together to help the people of Georgia, and we look forward to continuing to do our part to support these efforts," Navy Rear Adm. Steve Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said.
EuCom headquarters here is coordinating sustained airlift and maritime support for the humanitarian effort.