American help during early part of 'Yolanda' crisis very crucial

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): American help during early part of 'Yolanda' crisis very crucial

Multi-NationalCoordinatingCenter(MNCC) director Capt. Rafael Mariono on Tuesday admitted that American assistance, especially the latter's aircraft, has proven decisive in providing relief aid to communities shattered by super typhoon "Yolanda" during the early part of the crisis.

Around 16 US Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, 12 V-22 "Osprey" and numerous UH-IH "Huey" helicopters, and the air-group of the USS George Washington (CVN-73) battle group were on hand to provide aid to the Philippine military during the initial part of the "Yolanda" relief efforts.

"The USmilitary is the first responders in this crisis. Their unique capability to transport goods to the affected areas is really commendable," Mariano noted.

He said that American assistance also played a major role in stabilizing the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the super typhoon.

Another worthwhile assistance of US forces is the restoration of the TaclobanCityAirportrunway to operational status and lending of a mobile radar which aided aircraft in making safe landings and takeoff in the facility.

Without this help from the Americans, Mariano admitted that the Philippineswould have been somewhat "hard press" to handle the disaster relief efforts.

American units have pulled out of the "Yolanda" relief efforts last Dec. 1 along with the Israeli contingent.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593312