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7th Fleet Units Help in Relief Operations in Southeast Asia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041230-01
Release Date: 12/30/2004 9:08:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- As directed by U.S. Pacific Command, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet is preparing to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the governments of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other affected nations to mitigate the effects of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis.

According to Lt. Gilbert Gay, 7th Fleet Task Force 72 (CTF 72) public affairs officer, six P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 and elements of VP-4, based at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, have been deployed to take part in a survey operation in the area, operating out of Utapao, Thailand. Approximately 110 personnel are involved in the operation.

"The P-3's long range and long loiter time capability is an invaluable asset for search and rescue operations as it can view a large area and rapidly provide that information to regional Rescue Coordination Centers," said Gay. "While not able to physically rescue a survivor from the water, the P-3's communications suite and abilities to stay on station, survey for long periods of time and deploy life rafts in the vicinity of any survivors make it an important component of any search and rescue operation."

Humanitarian assistance assessment teams from U.S. Pacific Command are expected to be deployed to identify requirements for temporary military-specific support that can be provided to the governments affected by this disaster.

The U.S. Navy is well equipped and trained for these situations. Because of that, when called upon, units have the capabilities to deliver assistance to areas of the world that need it.