Monday - October 10, 2005

CENTCOM Briefing

The recent earthquake in Pakistan that killed over 30,000 people has devastated that country. Now help is arriving from an unexpected quarter. Unexpected, that is, if you are an America-basher (I’m not naming names here but France, Germany, Russia, Iran, Syria and a few others come to mind). In the history of the world, how many standing armies would continue to fight a war against a deadly determined enemy with one hand and with the other extend aid, support, supplies and needed humanitarian assistance to a country close by which is full of people who hate the country the army came from? Answer: never before.

But that’s America. We aren’t over there just to kill people. We’re there to kill bad people. The rest of the population can expect a helping hand and any assistance we can offer in their time of need.

To all of the Muslims around the world and especially in the Middle East, I have only this to say: This is what we are and we aren’t going to change - our troops are the finest people in uniform today. Even now, there are thousands of American troops shuttling supplies to the stricken region and airlifting Pakistani troops into isolated regions to bring medical help and food as well as help dig out the survivors. What are Osama bin Laden and his murderous Al Qaeda thugs doing to help the stricken people of Pakistan? Absolutely nothing. They know only how to murder and destroy. America offers friendship and a helping hand. The choice is yours: death and destruction from Osama .. or .. friendship and assistance from America. Choose wisely ...

October 10, 2005
Release Number: 05-10-32

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIRST U.S. HUMANITARIAN AIRLIFT REACHES ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A United States Air Force C-17 delivered the first relief supplies here within 48 hours of the devastating earthquake that has left thousands dead and thousands more injured and displaced.

The aircraft and its crew from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets—weighing almost 90,000 pounds—of food, water, medicine and blankets from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

With only a few hours notice, Airmen and soldiers at Bagram, successfully worked to palletize the humanitarian relief supplies and prepare them for the flight. Three aerial port specialists were also on the flight to coordinate and manage the cargo once it arrived at Islamabad.

“This was a total team effort,” said Col. Mike Isherwood, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Vice Commander. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the earthquake and we are thankful we were able to help out.”

Pakistan Army Brig. Gen. Imtiaz Sherazi, director of logistics, is coordinating the relief efforts as supplies arrive and ensuring rapid distribution of assistance to areas that need it most.

Said General Sherazi, “These items are very valuable to us because there are lots of people in great distress.”

As relief efforts are ongoing worldwide, United States Central Command will continue to identify and provide additional capabilities for airborne reconnaissance, heavy lift ground equipment, medical support, shelters, rations and water to aid and assist the people of Pakistan.

October 9, 2005
Release Number: 05-10-30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON THE SOUTH ASIAN EARTHQUAKE

“On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense, I express my condolences to those affected by the earthquake in South Asia.

“The Department of Defense is working closely with the State Department, and affected governments, to provide assistance to ease the suffering and assist in search and rescue operations.

“General John Abizaid, the Commander of the United States Central Command, and others have been in touch with military officials in Pakistan, and is moving five CH-47 and three UH-60 helicopters into Pakistan immediately.

“Additional capabilities for airborne reconnaissance, heavy lift ground equipment, and medical support are being identified and dispatched from within the Central Command region.

“Today, I will designate a dedicated Task Force commander in the region to work with the affected governments, to help assess their needs, and to draw on U.S. military capabilities from inside or outside the affected region as may be available and required.

October 9, 2005
Release Number: 05-10-29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION SENDS HELICOPTER SUPPORT TO ASSIST PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY

KABUL , Afghanistan - At the request of the Pakistan Government, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan will send U.S. Army helicopters and support personnel to assist with emergency recovery operations due to the earthquake in Pakistan

Following Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice’s statement of support for relief, recovery and rescue operations, five CH-47 Chinook helicopters and three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with their associated crews should arrive Monday. They will provide rescue, recovery and logistics assistance.

CFC-A is in contact with the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad to provide planning assistance and technical guidance as required.

This support will not degrade the Coalition’s operations in the Global War on Terror.

_{(-- thanks to SPC Flowers at CENTCOM for keeping us up to date)}

Posted by The Skipper     on 10/10/2005 at 05:13 PM   
Filed Under: • Military • RoPMA •  
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