U.S. Soldiers Eager to Help Pakistanis in Need

U.S. Helicopters Well-Suited For Relief Operations in Rugged, Northern Pakistan Terrain - September 23, 2010

Islamabad - The U.S. Army's 16th Combat Aviation Brigade at Ghazi Air Base continues to work closely with the Pakistan military to deliver much needed aid to the people in Pakistan's northern Swat and Khoistan regions.

Lt. Col. John Knightstep, commander of the 16 CAB units, has had the opportunity to see the destruction caused by the floods and is enthusiastic about helping.

"We are here to provide humanitarian assistance and here to help for as long as needed," he said.

Flying UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, the Alaska-based unit has worked closely with the Pakistan military to deliver more than 1,400,000 pounds of relief supplies and transport more than 3,000 people displaced by the floods since their arrival in Pakistan Sept. 8.

"I am very proud of (our) soldiers," said Knightstep. "The mission here gives them a sense of purpose and it has been very gratifying for us.  The aid we are providing is having a significant impact."

Knightstep said the U.S. Army's 18 helicopters at Ghazi are uniquely suited to relief flight operations in the mountainous Swat and Khoistan regions.

"We are from Alaska where the terrain is very similar, "he explained. "Our battalion commander established a training program designed for this type of mountainous flying and built a task force with experience in the mountains and at high altitude."

To date, U.S. aircraft have transported more than 9 million pounds (4 million kilograms) of relief supplies and provided transport to more than 17,000 people delivering much-needed aid to Pakistanis who urgently need emergency assistance. In addition to helicopters, U.S. military aircraft such as C-130s and C-17s are being flown daily by U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps personnel in support of the Government of Pakistan's flood relief efforts.