Mobility Airmen poised to support humanitarian operations in American Samoa

  • Published
  • By Capt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  Air Mobility Command forces are poised to support relief operations in American Somoa after an earthquake-caused tsunami struck the region Sept. 29, according to AMC officials here.

Up to 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIs and crews have been placed on alert, according to officials, posturing forces to takeoff within hours of receiving the call to support the humanitarian relief effort.

U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement early Sept. 30 declaring a major disaster in American Samoa and pledged to provide swift aid in response to the tsunami's devastation.

Mission planning and command-and-control for the AMC portion of the humanitarian effort will be led by 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center officials at Scott Air Force Base.

As AMC's hub for global operations, the 618th TACC plans, schedules and directs a fleet of more than 1,300 mobility aircraft in support of strategic airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations around the world.

In addition to supporting U.S. warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, AMC's global mission includes humanitarian airlift in response to global events, such as the case with supporting relief operations in Samoa.

"When a global situation calls for humanitarian support, the 618th TACC begins planning immediately to ensure planes and crews are at the ready to support relief operations," said Brig. Gen. Randy A. Kee, the 618th TACC vice commander. "The goal is to provide the fastest response possible, and get the right people and equipment where they need to be to make a difference."

AMC officials have already answered the call for several humanitarian operations in 2009.

In May, AMC officials delivered 30,000 H1N1 influenza prevention kits to the governments of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua to prevent the spread of the virus. In January, two C-17s moved 75 tons of heavy equipment -- including water tankers, fuel tank trucks, forklifts and other oversized cargo -- from Kigali, Rwanda, to support peacekeeping operations in Darfur.

In 2008, the 618th TACC coordinated humanitarian airlift relief along with U.S. Air Forces in Europe, as Air Force officials delivered 587 tons in needed supplies, including food, cots, blankets, generators, and medical supplies, to people displaced by conflict in the Republic of Georgia.

AMC officials also answered the call during hurricanes Ike and Gustav last year, when the 618th TACC coordinated hundreds of aircraft sorties resulting in movement of more than 9,045 evacuees, nearly 600 medical patients, and 1,379 tons of equipment to support relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

"When an Air Mobility Command aircraft lands in any country around the world, the American flag on its tail promotes airlift diplomacy and soft power by demonstrating American commitment and aid," General Kee said. "It's an extremely fulfilling part of the mission, and we're proud to play our part."