SOUTHCOM medics respond to Peru quake relief efforts

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MIAMI (AFPN) --   A joint U.S. military mobile surgical team from Joint Task Force-Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, deployed to Peru Aug. 17 as part of U.S. Southern Command's response to an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation Aug. 15. 

The deployment follows a disaster declaration issued Aug. 16 by U.S. Ambassador to Peru Peter Michael McKinley. 

The 30-person U.S. Army and Air Force surgical team, including a general surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a general practitioner, a physician's assistant, nurses and medical technicians, is partnering with U.S. Embassy as well as Peruvian defense and health officials to provide specialized medical services to area residents. 

"We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Peru and the families affected by this tragic earthquake," said Admiral James Stavridis, commander of U.S. Southern Command. "Anytime there is disaster of this magnitude, there is dramatic increase in the medical needs of those communities affected. As a partner nation and close friend of Peru, we stand ready to assist with those resources and capabilities at our disposal." 

The surgical team was airlifted to Peru by a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules from the 156th Airlift Wing based in Puerto Rico. 

U.S. Southern Command military planners continue to work with interagency partners and Peruvian counterparts to assess recovery needs in the affected areas and identify additional U.S. military units that may be able to provide assistance. 

JTF-Bravo, the only U.S. Southern Command component with permanently assigned U.S. military personnel, is a first responder to crises in the region and routinely conducts humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, personnel recover and non-combatant medical evacuation operations. 

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