JTF-HAITI EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE 2021
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) established Joint Task Force-Haiti Aug. 15 to conduct U.S. lifesaving military operations in support of U.S. foreign disaster assistance to the people of Haiti. The task force is led by Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Davids. https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2236437/rear-admiral-keith-davids/ In preparation for the mission, a 14-person SOUTHCOM Situational Awareness Team (SSAT) from SOCSOUTH... read more
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) established Joint Task Force-Haiti Aug. 15 to conduct U.S. lifesaving military operations in support of U.S. foreign disaster assistance to the people of Haiti. The task force is led by Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Davids. https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2236437/rear-admiral-keith-davids/ In preparation for the mission, a 14-person SOUTHCOM Situational Awareness Team (SSAT) from SOCSOUTH arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Aug. 15, where they will work with U.S. government diplomatic and disaster-assistance personnel assessing the situation. As assessments are made and requirements are determined, military personnel and assets will deploy to support ongoing U.S. disaster assistance missions in the country. U.S. military capabilities often provide medical, logistical and engineering support to USAID-led assistance missions to save lives and alleviate human suffering in the critical early stages of a disaster relief operation. The command last supported disaster relief missions in Haiti in 2016, for Hurricane Mathew response, and 2010, for Operation Unified Response, deploying troops and equipment for a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. SOUTHCOM and SOCSOUTH will continue coordinating closely with the U.S. State Department, USAID/BHA and U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince to consider and respond to future requests.
Mission. JTF-Haiti in support of USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), provides life-saving and humanitarian assistance to the government of Haiti in order to mitigate near-term suffering, accelerate relief efforts, and facilitate an expedient transition to the government of Haiti.
Vision. Intent is to provide immediate support to save life and limb while mitigating human suffering. JTF-Haiti will synchronize and integrate DOD, interagency partners, and allied efforts to save lives and deliver aid. JTF Haiti will anticipate and support requests for logistics, and transportation assets, while reducing additional logistical and security burdens in the affected area. show less
