U.S. Marine Corps Helicopters Arrive in Pakistan to Support Flood Relief

August 12, 2010

Islamabad - Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters arrived in Pakistan today as part of the continued U.S. humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in support of flood relief from the monsoon floods.

The two aircraft were the first of 19 helicopters urgently ordered to Pakistan yesterday by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.  The incoming aircraft flew into Pakistan today from aboard the USS Peleliu, which is positioned in international waters in the Arabian Sea.

The remaining aircraft will arrive over the next few days and will include, in total, three U.S. Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, four U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and 12 U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters.  The U.S. helicopters will operate in partnership with the Pakistan military throughout the country's flood-affected areas.

The 19 aircraft will relieve six U.S. Army helicopters already in Pakistan that will soon return to duty in Afghanistan.  Despite bad weather, the six helicopters have rescued more than 3,089 people and transported more than 322,340 lbs. of emergency relief supplies since Aug. 5.

"As we did during the tragedy of the 2005 earthquake, we continue to stand by the Pakistani people during this crisis," said U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. James N. Mattis.  "Pakistan is our friend and ally, and in their time of need, we are committed to partnering with their government and military to support their efforts to bring relief to the millions of Pakistanis impacted by these floods."