Airmen deliver first relief supplies to Pakistan

  • Published
  • By Capt. James H. Cunningham
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AFPN) --  The first relief supplies from the United States arrived here on a C-17 Globemaster III less that 48 hours after the devastating earthquake that left thousands dead and injured.

The C-17 and its crew, from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets -- almost 90,000 pounds -- of food, water, medicine and blankets from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

Two aerial port specialists from Bagram's 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron were also on the flight to coordinate and manage cargo here.

Airmen and Soldiers at Bagram, with only a few hours notice, palletized the supplies and prepared them for the flight.

“This was a total team effort from everyone here at Bagram,” said Col. Mike Isherwood, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the earthquake and we are thankful we were able to help out.”

Master Sgt. John Keel and Staff Sgt. Larry Mansell, Air National Guard members from the 137th Aerial Port Squadron in Oklahoma City, ensured the cargo was properly managed on the ramp at the airport here. They will stay to handle future cargo movements.

“The troops can handle it at Bagram while we help the people in Pakistan,” said Sergeant Keel. “What better way is there to spend your time?”

1st Lt. Josh Ehmen, a C-17 pilot on the mission, has seen this kind of effort before.

“It’s awesome to be able to help out,” Lieutenant Ehmen said. “After the tsunami last year, we’ve shown we can do anything, any time.”

Brig. Gen. Imtiaz Sherazi, director of logistics for Pakistan's army, is coordinating the distribution of relief supplies as they arrive and making sure they get to the areas that need them.

“I would like to thank the Air Force,” General Sherazi said. “These items are very valuable to us because there are lots of people in great distress.”