A 500-person U.S. Marine Corps unit aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is poised to support possible disaster relief operations in Haiti caused by Hurricane Tomas.
The Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010, or MAGTF, is comprised of about 500 Marines and Sailors and specializes in logistical air and ground support. The unit has eight CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and various heavy-lift and transportation vehicles that could play a key role if called to support disaster relief efforts.
“The Special-Purpose MAGTF is organized, trained and equipped to react as first responders in the case of a natural disaster in the Central and South America region,” said Marine Lt. Col. Chris S. Richie, commanding officer of Special-Purpose MAGTF. “They have been well trained and now have an opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of others.”
A small number of Marines could be called upon to go ashore and serve as translators, air traffic control, and provide liaison officers to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). This will give the government of Haiti and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a better understanding of the storm damage that will determine what level of relief efforts will be necessary.
The MAGTF is made up a Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Logistics Combat Element and Air Combat Element (eight CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters). The Marines were trained prior to the deployment and while underway to respond to a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario.
U.S. Southern Command and Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet directed the CP10 mission onboard Iwo Jima to conclude operations early in Suriname and set sail toward Haiti.
USS Iwo Jima arrived in the Haiti region Nov. 5 to provide aerial assessments along main supply routes and populated areas throughout the southern peninsula.
“During our deployment, we have gained operational efficiencies with our Navy team in [humanitarian and civic action] activities. Haiti was our first stop for Continuing Promise back in July. It is fitting that we return now to provide an immediate response following the storm,” said Richie.
“The inherent flexibility of our amphibious forces allows us to be in position to assist the people of Haiti should it be required,” said Navy Capt. Thomas M. Negus, mission commander for CP10. “We are departing Suriname earlier than planned, as we are always prepared to act as “first responders” to provide disaster relief where needed.”
For more information on the Continuing Promise 2010 Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, please visit the unit’s official website at http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndMAW/SPMAGTF.