• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Humanitarian assistance team returns from Thailand

US Marine Corps News

11/9/2011
By Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Hoffacker, Marine Corps Bases Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- A humanitarian assistance survey team returned here from Bangkok Nov. 5.

The team of nine Marines and one sailor from III Marine Expeditionary Force assessed the areas flooded by recent heavy rainfall Oct. 15 to Nov. 5. Their efforts helped determine humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support requirements.

“Since their arrival in mid-October, the U.S. Marines’ HAST has been the face of American help for millions of Thais,” said Kristie Kenney, the U.S. ambassador to Thailand. “The HAST from III MEF has been embraced by the Thai military, government and public since their arrival.”

The team surveyed flooding in the Bangkok metropolitan area, Chaophraya River and North Iopburi areas from the air and ground.

The HAST was flown by SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters from Antisubmarine Helicopter Squadron 14, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, based in Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.

“We were able to take helicopters to overlook the affected areas,” said Col. John A. Ostrowski, the officer-in-charge of the HAST. “We also brought members from the Thai government and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to see the area.”

OFDA, which is part of the U.S. Agency for International Development, is responsible for providing humanitarian assistance during international crises and disasters.

The HAST, while on the ground visited shelters to determine the amount of relief needed by the occupants, said Master Sgt. David W. Parks, the operations chief of the HAST.

“From the assessments, we were able to see that Thailand is doing okay and that they would be better assisted by USAID and OFDA,” said Ostrowski.

The information they gathered while surveying the area was greatly appreciated and helpful for the Thai government, the U.S. ambassador, USAID and OFDA.

“The assessment team brought vital information and reassurance to the people of Thailand during these historic floods,” said Kenney. “Their technical expertise, experience, and existing relationships with the Thai military have helped buoy the hope of the people of Thailand.”

“We were able to show one of our oldest allied countries that we were ready to help at any moment,” added Parks.