U.S. troops from Okinawa provide aid in aftermath of natural disasters

Photo By Sgt. Rodolfo Toro | Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit return to the USS Denver, Oct. 9, from the first of many flights in support of humanitarian relief efforts in the Western Sumatra province of Indonesia after several earthquakes rocked the region. The MEU Marines are using CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to assist the Indonesian government in heavy-lift operations.  

10.16.2009

Story by Cpl. Abigail Brown 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

More than 2,000 Okinawa-based Marines and sailors are providing aid to people in the Republic of the Philippines, in the aftermath of storms that flooded areas of the country, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, and Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region, Sept. 30.

Since Oct. 1, Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force and ships carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have worked with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess damaged areas, clear road ways, deliver relief supplies and provide medical aid to victims of Tropical Storm Ketsana which struck the region, Sept. 26. Early efforts focused on flooded areas in and around the republic's capital city of Manila.

U.S. relief efforts moved to East and West Pangasinan, hours north of Manila, when the Philippine government requested additional assistance after Typhoon Parma made landfall, Oct. 3, causing mud slides and additional flooding.

USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga moved from Subic Bay to the Lingayen Bay Oct. 9 to assist in relief planning and provide ship-to-shore rescue operations. Some flooding of the northern Philippine areas was caused as water was released from reservoirs above dams in the rainfall of Typhoon Parma.

"In the aftermath of flooding from the release of reservoir water to overt the catastrophe of breaking dams, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade relocated and commenced operations to provide emergency rescue capabilities and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Friday," said Brig. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commander of the 3rd MEB, III MEF. "Additionally, we flew reconnaissance missions to ascertain the extent of destruction and flooding in able to formulate a plan of action."

"Most importantly, we and the AFP established a Combined Coordination Cell at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, the headquarters of AFP northern command," Brilakis added.

"Since we don't have identical procedures, this facilitates coordination and interoperability," said Col. Roldolfo Santiago, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines CCC site.

"The current task is to assess sites to conduct a medical relief program to [serve] those requiring immediate medical attention," Santiago said.

"The mission will require unique support from both land and sea," said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Raphael Hernandez, operations officer for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, CCC.

The combined capabilities of the Landing Craft Air Cushioned of Amphibious Squadron 11, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Commander Task Force 76, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters will provide a significant positive impact in rescue operations, Hernandez said.

Several teams of AFP troops and U.S. Marines have surveyed areas near Lingayen Bay for medical, transportation and engineering problems.

"The general assessment of both sides is that there can only be limited engineering intervention, but we will deploy our assets as needed," Santiago said.

Relief efforts continue but the storms have left damage in terms of human pain and suffering that cannot be measured, said U.S. Marine officials.

"This was horrible," Brilakis said. "Combined effects of the hurricane and typhoon can be measured in pesos, man hours and relief goods, but the misery it has brought to the Filipino people is incalculable. However, the spirit of the [Filipino] people and their ability to smile in the face of such adversity has been incredible for me to witness.

"The cooperation and professionalism of the AFP has been superb," Brilakis said. "III MEB could not conduct such quick and effective missions as it does without the AFP. From private to general officer, they have proven to be great partners and professionals."

In northern area relief efforts, Marines and sailors convoyed by vehicle about 33.5 tons of food, and 2,000 sacks of clothing to Lingayen, Pangasinan province, Sunday. Additionally, Marine helicopters delivered 18,500 pounds of relief supplies to northern Luzon. Marines and sailors also provided medical aid to 1,340 patients and dental aid to 37 in Pangasinan province Sunday.

In last week's metro Manila relief efforts, Marines and sailors delivered more than 39,000 food packages, 2,900 boxes of cloths, 650 cases of water and 1,000 blankets.

Additionally, 8,850 individuals received medical care and 357 received dental care.
U.S. military helicopters flew more than 85 sorties and delivered more than 61,000 pounds of cargo. Marines and sailors also helped remove more than 1,385 cubic meters of debris, clearing 2,650 meters of road.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2009
• Date Posted: 10.19.2009 01:20
• Story ID: 40307