A C-130 Hercules loaded with humanitarian supplies takes off from Utapao Thai Royal Navy Air Base in Thailand to deliver relief supplies to victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. The Air Force is part of the Joint Task Force Caring Response, a multi-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief effort for Burmese citizens devastated by the recent cyclone. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Lance Cpl. Robert A. Harding)

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A C-130 Hercules from Yokota Air Base, Japan, departs Utapao Thai Royal Navy Air Base in Thailand en route to Burma to provide humanitarian relief to victims of Cyclone Nargis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sonya Croston)

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Aircrews stand by to continue Burma relief mission

Published May 14, 2008
By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- For Capt. Trevor Hall, flying a C-130 Hercules to deliver humanitarian relief is largely what his mission is all about.

Captain Hall and his aircrew were one of a handful of C-130s allowed to deliver relief supplies to the people of Burma in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Nagris that swept through the country May 2.

"This was a chance for us to do exactly what we've been trained to do in the Air Force," said Captain Hall, who is a member of the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Flying out of Utapao Thai Royal Navy Air Base in Thailand, C-130s have been able to deliver bottled water, mosquito netting, blankets, hygiene kits, food, first aid and medical supplies, the captain said.

"One thing I'll remember is how much devastation we saw on the flight in," said Captain Hall, who was flying his first humanitarian mission. "When you see it all first hand -- the amount of flooding, standing water, trees blown over, buildings knocked down, -- it made me realize how drastically these people need our help. If we can bring more, it will make a big difference in their lives."

Upon arriving, several people came out to help unload the C-130. It was a warm reception and immediately there was a bond between the aircrew and the people of Burma, Captain Hall said.

"Most of their citizens serve in the military, so there was an understanding between us all that we were there to help," Captain Hall said. "We talked as much as we could with the language barrier, but really, the main thing they asked was 'can you please bring more?' You could see in their face how happy they were that we brought supplies in."

For the aircrew, it will be an experience they will never forget, they said.

"It was a good feeling knowing we could help the people of Burma," Captain Hall said. "It's been a great opportunity to make a difference and we know we did that here. I'll always remember it.

"It's important for us to fly humanitarian missions," Captain Hall continued. "It broadens our horizons and shows that the United States and the Air Force do what we can to help people whenever and wherever."

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