United States sends planes, personnel to aid Julian relief operations

MANILA, Philippines — The United States deployed personnel and planes to assist in the ongoing relief efforts in Batanes in the aftermath of Typhoon Julian.

At the request of the Philippine government, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the Indo-Pacific Command to support the US Agency for International Development (USAID) efforts to provide disaster relief operations in the country.

The US military is providing air transport and other assistance in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the US Department of Defense overseas humanitarian, disaster and civic aid program.

The Philippine Air Force said two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from the United States III Marine Expeditionary Force arrived at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Manila on Saturday carrying personnel and equipment.

The aircraft, which departed from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, delivered crucial humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies for typhoon victims. The mission is part of the US government’s ongoing commitment to disaster relief efforts, facilitated through the USAID.

Among the items transported to affected communities are 1,000 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 1,000 shelter repair kits from the Office of Civil Defense, 2,500 graded tarpaulin sheets from the International Organization for Migration and 1,000 IOM kitchen sets.

Initially, the KC-130Js were scheduled to fly directly to Batanes. The plan was changed after it was assessed that the runway at Batanes airport might be compromised due to the heavy weight of the aircraft.

The planes would instead transport supplies to Laoag Airport, from where goods would be further distributed to Batanes using smaller aircraft.

“We are deeply thankful to the US government for their swift response and unwavering support during this critical time. Their assistance is vital as we work to rebuild and provide for our communities affected by the super typhoon,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday that Typhoon Julian claimed five lives and affected 317,671 individuals.

To ensure effective relief operations, the AFP and Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) coordinated with the local government of Batanes over the weekend.

Lt. Col. Ariel Galimba, who represented the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of AFP, and Col. Edward Evans, JUSMAG chief, made a courtesy visit to Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco.

They emphasized the importance of close collaboration with local authorities to streamline logistics and ensure that vital resources reach the most severely impacted areas.