Little Rock welcomes China hurricane aid

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Arlo Taylor
  • 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFPN) --  A China Southern Cargo 747 aircraft laden with 100 tons of humanitarian aid from China landed here Sept. 7 as part of Hurricane Katrina relief operations.

Little Rock is the hub for receiving international humanitarian aid for hurricane relief.

The flight, which originated in Beijing with a stopover in Anchorage, Alaska, included a cargo of bedding, clothing, tents and generators.

China's consul general said the shipment was an expression of his people's support in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"This was a chance to show our sympathy and support, and to show that we're standing with Americans," Hu Yeshun said.

The location of Little Rock and its airlift expertise make the base an ideal site for receiving international aid, said Brig. Gen. Joseph M. Reheiser, 314th Airlift Wing commander.

"We have a great location, plus we have the infrastructure here at Little Rock Air Force Base. We have a huge ramp and we have people who are trained to offload planes," General Reheiser said. "Our Airmen … continuously train to move people and supplies. This lifesaving effort puts our training into action by helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our Airmen have played a vital role in this process and are working hard to provide relief to our Southern neighbors."

To date, Little Rock has received 17 international aid flights delivering more than 934 tons of relief supplies.