Humanitarian Relief, Pakistan

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matt Pease, a Raven assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, loads a pallet containing humanitarian relief supplies destined for Pakistan into the cargo bay of a C-17 Globemaster III May 20, 2009, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Pease is deployed from the 437th Security Forces Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller)

U.S. airlift aids Pakistan's war-torn Swat Valley

Published May 20, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
AFCENT Combat Camera Team

CHAKLALA, Pakistan -- In response to specific requests for support from the Government of Pakistan, the Department of Defense has arranged for the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance to aid in caring for the estimated 1.7 million Pakistanis displaced by current military operations against violent extremists in the country's northwestern provinces.

This initial request for DOD support, which includes 120,000 pre-packaged halal meals, environmentally controlled tents, electrical generators, water trucks and other items, is in addition to food, logistical support and funding, totaling $110 million being provided by the American people through the US State Department and USAID.

In just a few days, the humanitarian mission was set in motion calling for a rapid assembly of aircraft, air crews, supplies and logistics coordination.

"The speed with which this mission came together attests to the rapid, global mobility assets available for wartime and humanitarian missions," said Capt. Ryan Theiss, a C-17 Globemaster pilot deployed from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover AFB, Del. "Without airlift, humanitarian relief wouldn't be possible."

The emergency humanitarian aid will bring Halal food packages, tents and to help compensate for the loss IDPs are experiencing due to the chaos created by the region's conflict.

Of the airlift assets available for this mission, the C-17 Globemaster III was chosen because it is better suited for providing a rapid influx of materials into an area, with fewer sorties.

"The C-17's storage capacity is superior to other aircraft because it can carry up to 18 pallets and get them into austere environments," Captain Theiss said. "It will take fewer missions to do what a C-130 can and get the mission completed faster with fewer assets."

With continuous training, the crews are well suited to working quickly and in austere conditions.

"When you get to a place, you have to anticipate problems and figure out how to fix them," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Williams, a C-17 loadmaster deployed from the 3rd AS. "The offload can present difficulties because of the language barrier or because there isn't the right equipment. You just keep plugging away until the mission is done."

While this was a hastily planned operation, it is exactly the type of mission that brings satisfaction to the crew, especially during wartime.

"It's got a different aspect to it than our other missions," the sergeant said. "Instead of bringing bullets and ammo, we're bringing supplies and hope to people affected by war. It's one of the reasons why I joined the military - to help others in any situation."

Similarly, Captain Theiss adds that there is also the morale factor to consider.

"Humanitarian relief missions help with morale," he said. "We're winning the hearts and minds of the world just by lending a hand. We're able to show the world that we're out here to help."