U.S. Army Blackhawk waits on the ground while a Pakistan Huey helicopter flies over the landing zone to unload passengers in Rubicon who are being evacuated from the flooding in Swat valley, as part of the disaster recovery effort in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, Aug. 10. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Horace Murray)

As the Marine and Navy helicopters which have been operating in the area depart, TF Denali has assumed the role of supporting the government of Pakistan in carrying out flood relief efforts in the country’s northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region.

As Denali begins flying daily missions, the urgency of the situation becomes apparent.

“There is a higher sense of priority and effort given to the mission once you’ve seen the devastation throughout the area,” said Lt. Col. John H. Knightstep, commander, Task Force Denali.

“The infrastructure in the north is damaged greatly and I believe the need for our support will last for at least a few months, if not longer.”

The Army task force brings with it the heavy lift capability of the CH-47 Chinooks and adds operational flexibility with the UH-60 Black Hawks. The latter, being smaller aircraft, are capable of getting into tighter locations, which gives command the opportunity to expand operations into previously unreachable areas.

“I’d say our strongest suit coming here is the skill and experience that our individual pilots bring to this humanitarian mission,” Knightstep said.

Print

Email