Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152 conducts follow-on Burma humanitarian operations
By: Cpl. Eric D. Arndt, Exercise Cobra Gold 2008 Consolidated Joint Information Bureau
UTAPHAO ROYAL THAI AIRFIELD, Thailand (May 13, 2008) – The U.S. Marine Corps continued the United States’ response to the victims of Tropical Cyclone Nargis by delivering two loads of supplies -- with more scheduled later this week.
Members of Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conducted Burma humanitarian aid flight missions May 13 aboard two separate VMGR-152 KC-130J Hercules aircraft.
The U.S. military has so far conducted three such flights to the Cyclone Nargis-ravaged country, distributing a total of 72,650 pounds of clean bottled water, plastic sheeting, personal mosquito nets and hygiene supplies.
Capt. Mike A. Scott, a pilot with VMGR-152, said the order to perform the mission was issued only days prior.
“Our final word came Sunday when we were tasked to go into Burma to help out with the relief.” Scott said. “We’d known for two or three days before that that we potentially could go.”
VMGR-152 then continued to consider the logistical requirements of what would be needed to conduct their mission to Burma – things such as the landscape and airfields and what capabilities were present.
According to Scott, VMGR-152 assets in Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold 2008 could be diverted to assist the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts for Burma.
Marines continue to make pallets of incoming humanitarian aid, and as of press time, Burma government officials had officially cleared five additional U.S. military planes to enter their country.
“It’s a privilege to do something like this, I’m glad that we’re here and capable,” Scott said. “I just hope we can do what we’re capable of doing to the maximum extent possible – that our government and the Burmese government can come to a solution that allows us to support the people of Burma and get them what they need.”