NAS Jax a hub for Haitian relief

As Navy ships and personnel arrive00000, and with more on the way, NAS Jax military and civilian employees are refueling aircraft, off-loading trucks, building pallets for food, water and medical supplies and loading them onto the numerous Navy transport planes that have been arriving here from all over the country.

Also, hundreds of trucks supporting U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Combat Task Force 43 have been arriving at NAS Jax loading docks with thousands of pounds of material to be transported to NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - and ultimately to Haiti. The station's air traffic controllers are ensuring the safe flow of additional air traffic.

A loader carrying palletized relief supplies approach an awaiting C-130 on the tarmac of NAS Jacksonville Jan. 16. Photo by Clark Pierce

"The Navy is swiftly mobilizing all available resources to assist interagency and multinational efforts in relieving human suffering in Haiti. NAS Jacksonville Sailors and civilians are working tirelessly to ensure the Navy's significant humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts run smoothly," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr.

He added, "Aircraft arriving at our airfield are promptly refueled and loaded with medical, water and food supplies. The Navy's assistance reflects our nation's compassion and commitment to the Haitian people who have been deeply impacted by this tragedy."

As an advanced logistics staging base for the relief efforts, NAS Jax plays a pivotal role in relief operations -- becoming a "distribution hub" for relief materials headed to the Caribbean.

Two MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters of Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 based at NS Norfolk, Va. prepare to lift off from NAS Jacksonville en route to NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Jan. 16. The helicopters are carrying personnel and supplies in support of the humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations in Hait. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet

"We were told Jan. 14 to pack up because we were going to fly down to support USS Carl Vinson - or as needed, from NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - to help the survivors in Haiti," explained Lt. j.g. James Sabin, maintenance officer for VRC-40 Detachment 4, who arrived at NAS Jax in one of the squadron's C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft.

"We packed everything and 24 hours later, we arrived at NAS Jax. We have 22 personnel on our plane and another Greyhound coming behind us with 24 personnel. We'll do whatever we can to help," said Sabin. The C-2A was quickly refueled, loaded with relief supplies and departed en route to NS Guantanamo Bay two hours later.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to assist the victims and relief workers. I was shocked at the amount of devastation and destruction caused by the earthquake and I'm pleased to know that we'll be able to help. It gives me a brighter outlook on the future of mankind," said AEAA Christopher Steffen of VRC-40.

NAS Jacksonville sailors and civilians work alongside U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, 317th Airlift Squadron, personnel during the loading of a C-17 Globemaster headed to Haiti Jan 17. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet

U.S. Fourth Fleet Operations Officer Capt. Gregory Parker was awaiting air transport at the NAS Jax Terminal yesterday. He is headed to Haiti to assist SOUTHCOM's task force and said, "The devastation is just beyond comprehension. It's always a challenge getting support to devastated areas, but the Navy's role has always been as a first responder for humanitarian relief," said Parker.

"We're transporting supplies down to Guantanamo Bay. From there, they will be taken to USS Carl Vinson and then heloed into Haiti. I think you will see a huge impact from the Navy, beginning immediately." "We have a lot of Navy assets already on scene, with many more on the way, including our medical ship, USNS Comfort. We are really putting forth our best effort to help the people of Haiti," he added.

Some of the supplies arriving at NAS Jacksonville include meals-ready-to-eat (MRE), bottled water, medical supplies, tents and body bags.

A fully loaded C-17 assigned to the U.S, Air Force Reserve Command, 317th Airlift Squadron, based in Charlston, S.C., departs NAS Jacksonville Jan. 17 on its way to Haiti. The aircraft is carrying 93,000 pounds of food and supplies in support of the Navy's humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet

"Our hearts are with the Haitian people. We are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts in order to keep the supply lines flowing. We volunteer to serve and I never thought I'd be part of something like this. I'm just proud to be able to lend a helping hand," said AC3 Willie Bryant of the NAS Jax Air Operations Department, one of many volunteers helping build pallets ready for transport.

Another Sailor involved in the Haiti relief effort is Dominican Republic native ABH2(AW) Johonny Sarante of Air Operations. He said, "I am from the Dominican Republic. The Haitians are our neighbors. It feels great to be able to support them. I am playing s small part, but ultimately the Navy will have a big impact in their recovery."

A C-17 Globemaster assigned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, 317th Airlift Squadron, out of Charleston, S.C. is loaded with 93,000 pounds of supplies at NAS Jacksonville Jan. 17. The aircraft is headed for Haiti in support of the Navy's humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet