NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Airmen deliver first relief supplies to Pakistan, Yesterday

by Capt. James H. Cunningham

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AFPN) -- The first relief supplies from the United States arrived in Islamabad on a C-17 Globemaster III less than 48 hours after the devastating earthquake that left thousands dead and thousands more injured.

The C-17 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.

Two aerial port specialists from Bagram's 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron were also on the flight to coordinate and manage cargo here.

Airmen and soldiers at Bagram, with only a few hours notice, worked feverishly to palletize the supplies and prepare them for the flight.

"This was a total team effort from everyone here at Bagram," 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."

Master Sgt. John Keel and Staff Sgt. Larry Mansell, both Air National Guard members from the 137th Aerial Port Squadron in Oklahoma City, Okla., charged with ensuring the cargo is properly managed on the ramp at the airport here, will temporarily stay to facilitate future cargo movements.

"The troops can handle it here at Bagram while we go help the people in Pakistan," said Sergeant Keel. "What better way is there to spend your time?"

1st Lt. Josh Ehmen, a C-17 pilot on the mission, has seen this kind of effort before.

"It's awesome to be able to help out," said Lieutenant Ehmen. "After the tsunami last year, we've shown we can do anything, any time."

Brig. Gen. Imtiaz Sherazi, director of logistics for the Pakistan Army, is coordinating the relief supplies as they arrive and making sure they get to the areas that need them.

"I would like to thank the Air Force," said General Sherazi. "These items are very valuable to us because there are lots of people in great distress."

Source: 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Copyright © 2012, NewsBlaze, Daily News