Reservists deliver earthquake relief

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Phillip Ulmer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Answering the need for help after a devastating earthquake, Air Force crews delivered more than seven and a half tons of relief supplies May 30 to the rattled city of Algiers, Algeria.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook the coastal capital city of more than 2.3 million at 7:44 p.m. May 21. More than 2,300 people were killed and 10,000 injured by the earthquake and aftershocks. According to the U.S. Geological Service, the earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 40 miles east of Algiers.

“People are suffering, and we’re here to help,” said Janet Sanderson, U.S. ambassador to Algeria.

“And this is a very visible symbol of American support,” she said motioning to the relief supplies being unloaded from an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules from the 910th Airlift Wing at Youngstown, Ohio.

The C-130 crew is on temporary duty here supporting operations throughout the command’s area of responsibility.

Among the American relief supplies flown in from Ramstein were medical kits, blankets, sleeping bags, cots and tents.

“These supplies are critical to the relief effort,” said Sanderson. “The earthquake left more than 200,000 people living in the streets, and our No. 1 concern is providing tents for shelter.”

An American humanitarian-assistance survey team is assessing the situation.

“We’re taking a look, and right now it looks like the greatest need is for supplies and equipment,” said Lt. Col. Tim Marceau, survey team chief for 3rd Air Force at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

It took nearly two hours in the midday heat for the 50 civil-response people to unload the pallets from the aircraft and move the supplies to waiting trucks. From there, the supplies will be given to those displaced by the earthquake.

“It’s great to be a part of helping people,” said Maj. Jeff Shaffer, a 910th AW navigator. “When we landed, we were greeted by a lot of smiling faces. It’s a nice feeling knowing you’re welcome.”

According to the ambassador, homes, schools and hospitals were all destroyed, and the recovery will take some time; however, she said, the people of Algeria are very grateful for the American help and support.

Mustapha Tourazi, a civil response officer, shook hands with the crew before they boarded their aircraft to return home. He has been living at the airport since the earthquake to meet the aircraft and unload the supplies when they arrive.

“Thank you, on behalf of all Algeria,” Tourazi told the crew.