A CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Navy and Marine helicopters from the Pelelieu will soon be flying flood relief missions in Pakistan.

MACDILL AFB, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2010) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates today authorized the deployment of 19 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft consisting of 12 CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters, four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and three MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters as part of the United States’ continued humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in support of flood relief from the recent monsoon.

The 19 aircraft will relieve six U.S. Army helicopters already in Pakistan that were loaned from U.S. efforts in Afghanistan in order to provide immediate relief and assistance. Despite bad weather, these six helicopters in partnership with the Pakistani military have rescued more than 3,089 people and transported more than 322,340 lbs of relief supplies to flood-stricken areas of Pakistan since Aug. 5.

The helicopters are part of the U.S. Navy’s USS Peleliu Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which have been positioned in international waters off the coast of Pakistan in order to be ready to support flood relief efforts.  The U.S. military will operate the helicopters in partnership with the Pakistani military throughout flood-impacted areas.

This is the latest in a series of deployments that provide supplies and services in response to the Government of Pakistan's urgent request for continued flood relief assistance.  Consistent with our humanitarian values and deep commitment to the people of Pakistan, the U.S. remains in close contact with the Government of Pakistan as they face the emerging difficulties posed by this natural disaster.

“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.”

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