U.S. Air Force Delivers 77,000 Pounds of Relief to Burma

Operation Caring Response - Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, prepare to service a C-130 Hercules at Utapao Thai Royal Navy Air Base, Thailand, after its delivery of U.S. humanitarian relief supplies to the people of Burma May 14. The Airmen are deployed in support of Operation Caring Response. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sonya Croston)

News in Balance:

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii, May 17, 2008 (AFPN) -- A total of four Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft have delivered more than 77,000 lbs. of relief supplies to Burma as part of the ongoing U.S. relief efforts following Cyclone Nargis which devastated the coast of the Irrawaddy Division in Burma, May 2.

To date, Air Force aircrews have delivered USAID relief supplies including water, plastic sheeting, hygiene kits, water jugs, mosquito netting and food in support of Operation Caring Response.

"The Air Force is proud to be participating in this humanitarian effort," said Lt. Col. John Graham, Air Force liaison officer for Joint Task Force Caring Response. "The Air Force trains daily to rapidly respond to crises throughout the world. We feel it is important to use this capability to aid other countries in times of emergency and help mitigate suffering and save lives."

Supplies delivered during Operation Caring Response have totaled 21 pallets of water, 8 pallets of plastic sheeting, 5 pallets of hygiene kits, 4 pallets of blankets, 3 pallets of mosquito netting, 2 pallets of water jugs and one pallet of food.

According to USAID officials, heavy rainfall continues to affect southern Burma, particularly the Rangoon and Irrawaddy Divisions. Continued rains in the affected area and upstream river systems are likely to lead to prolonged flooding in the region.

Seven additional missions have been scheduled to drop off supplies to Burma, but traditionally have required daily Burmese permissions to deliver and enter the country. Deliveries have been limited to the Rangoon International Airport.

More than 45 members of the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, remain prepared to open or operate airfields to facilitate relief operations outside of Utapao, Thailand, if necessary.

(Story by Capt. Genieve David, 13th Air Force Public Affairs.)

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