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Bush Pledges U.S. Assistance to Tsunami Survivors

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2004 - The United States is working closely with Indian Ocean nations to rush aid to the region following the tsunamis that claimed at least 80,000 lives, President Bush said today.

Bush, speaking following a briefing on the situation at his home in Crawford, Texas, said the United States is "committed to helping the affected countries in the difficult weeks and months that lie ahead."

The U.S. government has pledged an initial $35 million in relief assistance. Bush spoke with the leaders of the affected countries. "We're grateful to the American and international organizations that are working courageously to save lives and to provide assistance," Bush said. "I assured those leaders this is just the only beginning of our help."

In the past year, the U.S. government has donated $2.4 billion in aid to nations suffering natural disasters. "We're a very generous, kindhearted nation, and . what you're beginning to see is a typical response from America," Bush said.

The president said the immediate questions are determining what must be done immediately, and what must be done for the long-term health of the region. "We're still at the stage of immediate help," he said. "Slowly but surely, the size of the problem will become known, particular when it comes to rebuilding infrastructure and community, to help these -- these affected parts of the world get back up on their feet."

The U.S. military is supporting the effort. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group -- including the USS Shoup, the USS Shiloh, the USS Benfold and the USNS Ranier -- has been dispatched to the region from the South China Sea. The USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group -- including the USS Duluth, the USS Milius, the USS Rushmore, the USS Thach, the USS Pasadena and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro -- also is en route.

U.S. Pacific Command has established a forward command element at the military base at Utapao, Thailand. These servicemembers are establishing a command, control and communication structure for Joint Task Force 536. The JTF will coordinate U.S. relief efforts.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and KC-135s from Japan and Guam are being dispatched to ferry aid into and around the area. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force has sent humanitarian assistance assessment teams to the region.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has forged a coalition to deal with the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Bush said. "Based on these discussions, we've established a regional core group with India, Japan and Australia to help coordinate relief efforts," Bush said. "I'm confident more nations will join this core group in short order."

Many Americans are still missing in the region. U.S. embassies are working to locate American citizens who are still missing and to assist those who have been injured or displaced, Bush said.

"These past few days have brought loss and grief to the world that is beyond our comprehension," Bush said. "The United States will continue stand with the affected governments as they care for the victims. We will stand with them as they start to rebuild their communities. And together the world will cope with their loss. We will prevail over this destruction."

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Dec2004/n12292004_2004122904.html