U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is transporting two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and a critical aid package to Turkey, following the devastating earthquakes that occurred on February 5. Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departed Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and March Air Reserve Base, California, on Feb. 7, carrying 161 USAR personnel, 12 canines and 170,000 lb (77,000 kg) of specialized equipment, which will supplement the USAID members that are already in Turkey.
Among the passengers are 79 USAR personnel and six canines from Fairfax County, Virginia, and 82 USAR personnel and six canines from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The USAR teams are made up of structural engineers, doctors, logistics personnel and technical search specialists. The rescue equipment USTRANSCOM is sending to Türkiye includes concrete breakers, generators, medical supplies, tents, water, and water purification systems.
Within 24 hours of initial notification, both the USAR teams and cargo were in place, loaded onto the C-17s and enroute to assist in ongoing rescue efforts.
“Our hearts go out to Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes. USTRANSCOM is working closely with USAID to deliver aid to the country, with U.S. assistance already underway. In our profession, nothing is more noble than delivering humanitarian aid to those in need, and we are proud to support our ally Türkiye,” said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, USTRANSCOM commander.
Powered by dedicated men and women, USTRANSCOM provides the U.S. the ability to rapidly respond to global crises at a moment’s notice. The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is one of eleven unified commands of the United States Department of Defense. The mission of USTRANSCOM is to provide air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense, both in time of peace and time of war. USTRANSCOM, located at Scott Air Force Base Illinois, was established in 1987. USTRANSCOM coordinates missions worldwide using both military and commercial transportation resources. It is composed of three service component commands: The Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
