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thedrifter
11-23-07, 08:32 PM
Marines, sailors arrive with aid for Bangladesh cyclone victims
Sue Book
Sun Journal
November 23, 2007 - 8:52PM

Aid for victims of last week’s cyclone has arrived off the coast of Bangladesh aboard the USS Kearsarge.

Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Lejeune are serving on the Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship.

A pair of Marine helicopters lifted from the flight deck Friday with loads of bottled water, marking the first delivery of U.S. military aid to the storm-battered nation.
The 750-gallon shipment of water was delivered to a relief-supply hub in Barisal, a city in southern Bangladesh.

Category 4 Cyclone Sidr struck the southwest coast near there Nov. 15 with 156-mph winds and a 16-foot tidal wave. News reports now put deaths at more than 3,500 people. The storm left several hundred thousand people homeless and crops destroyed. The already poor country is threatened by starvation and disease.

“I feel ecstatic,” said Capt. Andrew Traynor, a CH-46E helicopter pilot with the Aviation Combat Element for the 22nd MEU (Special Operations Capable). “This can show that the US military is not all about combat; we’re here to help people.”

The Kearsarge, along with some of Amphibious Squadron 8 and the 22nd MEU, is supporting disaster relief operations, according an announcement from their joint public affairs officers.

“We are here to bring help and hope to those in need and aid the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” said Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, commander of Task Force 76, who was aboard the Kearsarge. “Our forces are highly flexible and poised to help however we can.”

Col. Doug Stilwell, 22nd MEU commanding officer, said: “The delivery today is a start, but there is more work to be done. The Bangladesh government and military, in conjunction with relief agencies, are responding well to the situation – we will reinforce and support that effort.”

The Norfolk-based ship departed its home port July 30. It is equipped with helicopters and landing craft air cushions to deliver food, medicine and thousands of gallons of fresh water ashore. It was on a regularly scheduled deployment to support maritime security operations.

“We provide a unique mix of capabilities including airlift, logistics support and the ability to support the humanitarian relief efforts already in place,” said Col. Doug Stilwell, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU (SOC).

“Our goal is to assist the Bangladesh government, Bangladesh military and non-governmental organizations in reducing further loss of life,” Stilwell said.

Photos, videos, and audio interviews, including those with Traynor and other crew members present during Friday’s mission, are at www.22meu.usmc.mil.

Ellie