WASHINGTON -- Since the beginning of the disaster relief effort, Marines have successfully evacuated 1,600 citizens stranded on islands that took the full impact of Hurricane Irma and delivered more than 52,000 pounds of supplies and equipment to Key West, Florida.
“We train for this kind of mission,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Timothy, 26th MEU executive officer. “It’s in the DNA of the Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly respond to crisis when called upon. Alongside our Navy partners, we stand strong and ready to help those affected by this storm in whatever way we can.”
Around 10,000 Department of Defense personnel are providing support to response operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The personnel are delivering food and water to citizens, as well as supporting authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands with the combined goal of protecting the lives and safety of those in affected areas.
Irma Relief Operations
–– Approximately 700 Marines are embarked aboard USS Kearsarge in response to Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean.
–– The U.S. Marine Corps has approximately 300 Marines from the 26th MEU and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard USS Iwo Jima. In total, 1,000 Marines, 11 Marine Corps aircraft, and three expected additional aircraft are conducting hurricane relief efforts.
–– Marines with 26th MEU are conducting community cleanup throughout Key West, Florida, clearing debris and making Key West livable and safe for the citizens.
–– The U.S. Marine Forces Reserve have units in Florida and Alabama who are supporting Federal Emergency Management Agency, state and local response efforts after Hurricane Irma made landfall.
–– Personnel from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, based in Mobile, Alabama, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, based in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida and Combat Logistics Battalion 451, based in Orlando, Florida, are providing support. The units are critical to Northern Command’s support of FEMA’s assistance to federal, state and local authorities’ ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Farther South
–– The SS Wright is loading FEMA containers and is scheduled to depart for St. Thomas.
–– Three KC-130 aircraft arrived in Marathon, Florida as part of a fuel resupply mission.