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U.S., Indonesian Militaries Join Together to Assist in Humanitarian Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091012-01
Release Date: 10/12/2009 6:40:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PADANG, Indonesia (NNS) -- All four branches of the U.S. military are working closely together, and with their Indonesian military counterparts, to bring aid to the people of Indonesia following a series of deadly earthquakes Sept. 30.

As of Oct. 11, U.S. Marines and Indonesian Air Force personnel have loaded more than 38,000 pounds of food staples, temporary shelters and emergency relief kits into CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters in Padang. The Marines deliver the goods to remote villages throughout Western Sumatra identified by relief agencies as having particular needs.

On the ground, Indonesian military and U.S. Air Force doctors, along with Navy corpsmen, have treated more than 1,200 patients at an Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team hospital in Padang. U.S. Marine helicopters and ground crews from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (embarked on USS Denver, LPD 9), and various elements of the 353rd Special Operations Group, are coordinating heavy airlift of urgently needed relief supplies with the Indonesian military and international relief agencies.

A typical mission was to the village of Kototinggi, which was cut off from nearby cities when landslides blocked roads. The CH-53 set down in a makeshift landing zone cleared of trees by local residents, and U.S. and Indonesian military members formed a human chain to unload cargo. Aid agencies, working with the Indonesian government, are responsible for distribution in Kototinggi and nearby villages.

Two Air Force medical personnel made the short hike from the landing zone to Kototinggi and with the assistance of local volunteers, and set up a free clinic to treat villager's ailments. Over the course of an hour and a half, the clinic assessed and treated approximately 100 patients, with Indonesian Air Force 1st Lt. Prasetyo Aguswowo acting as a translator for patients.

"The earthquakes that went through Indonesia touch everyone worldwide, and the response has been truly international," said Air Force Capt. Tony Truong, a Los Angeles, Calif. native and physician with 353rd Special Operations Group. "Our presence, in conjunction with the Indonesian military, can bring capabilities not available any other way."

Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, under the command of Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, is coordinating the U.S. military's response to the Government of Indonesia's request for aid following two severe earthquakes on Sept. 30.