The 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron prepared and palletized more than 1.4 million pounds of humanitarian relief cargo, provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, September 8-12, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. More than 40 Airmen from across the 380th ELRS pitched in to prepare palletized cargo for 14 individual C-17 Globemaster sorties to Pakistan, some flights holding as much as 90,000 pounds. Relief items included kitchen sets, shelter building kits, tarps and plastic sheeting.
Airmen of the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron palletize flood relief items bound for Pakistan September 8, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Tasked with building approximately 180 pallets weighing more than 6,000 pounds each, Airmen from various specialties within the 380th ELRS jumped in to assist. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Grossi)
Since June 14, 2022, floods in Pakistan are estimated to have killed more than 1,395 people with a total affected population of more than 33 million. With a third of the country under water, approximately 660,000 people have been displaced to temporary camps to wait the rising waters out. Because of this, the Department of Defense U.S. Central Command has begun airlifting critical life-saving humanitarian supplies, in support of the USAID response to the devastating floods in Pakistan.
General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the commander of USCENTCOM said, “We are working closely with USAID to support their critical mission to provide some measure of relief to the people of Pakistan.”
USAID relief supplies, stored in a warehouse located in Dubai, UAE, were shipped approximately 90 miles to ADAB, which served as a launching point for this relief effort.
“It is a true testament to the professionalism and heart of every member of the 380 ELRS,” said Maj. Jason P. Thomas, the commander of the 380th ELRS. “They all rose to the challenge and worked as a team with accomplishing what was asked of them. Our Airman know the importance of their role here at ADAB, and we are committed and ready to support rapid global mobility missions whenever we are called upon. Our Airman are talented and have a diverse range of skills. It was incredible witnessing them divide and conquer each task in order to successfully deliver aid to a nation in need.”
H/t: DoD