Photo By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Hayes | Reserve citizen airmen work side-by-side with active duty and coalition military...... read more read more
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Florida –
Air Force Reserve aircraft at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida are loaded and ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuelans in crisis, Feb. 15th, 2019.
Civil and political unrest in Venezuela has created an ever-worsening situation over the past several years, and the country is currently experiencing heightened levels of violent crime amid a worsening economy. The request for help came, and the Air Force Reserve is moving into action.
Two aircrews from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and one from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey converged at Homestead to take part in this endeavor to deliver supplies to people in need. These crews will pilot a convoy of three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft full of food, medical, and sanitation supplies to Cucuta, Colombia where they will be transported into Venezuela by local U.S. coalition partners on the ground.
“Acquiring, staging, palletizing, and loading multiple tons of cargo on short notice has not been an easy task,” said Lt. Col. John Weeks, 70th Aerial Port Squadron commander. “But we always find a way to complete the mission.”
Aerial porters have the unique task of getting people and cargo processed and securely loaded for air travel. This crew has been working long hours to complete the many steps required to ready this cargo for travel, and now it’s finally loaded and ready for its final destination.
“We are proud to play a part in such a noble mission,” said Col. David Pifferario, 482d Fighter Wing commander. “Because of our strategic location and large runway, Homestead is perfect for this operation.”
The U.S. military has a long history of supporting national and international relief organizations to provide aid to people impacted by life-threatening crises and disasters. Due to its geographic location, large airstrip, and aerial port capability, the 482d Fighter Wing at Homestead ARB has become a vital staging area for missions to the continent of South America.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2021 09:59 |
| Story ID: | 407307 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Air Force delivers aid for Venezuelans in crisis, by TSgt Benjamin Hayes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
