News

Reserve, active-duty aircrews support Pakistan flood relief efforts

  • Published
  • 446th Airlift Wing
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., --  Reserve and active-duty aircrews assigned to 446th and 62d Airlift Wings depart McChord Field today in support of Pakistan humanitarian relief operations.

An aircrew from the 728th Airlift Squadron, led by Lt. Col. Fran Whiting, will fly to Cherry Point, N.C., to pick up and transport a Marine Corps CH53 helicopter. Also scheduled to fly on this mission are Reservists Lt. Col. Michael Murphy, Maj. Pete Capper, Maj. Matthew Downs, Master Sgt. Scott Terra and Master Sgt. Paul Understellar.

After picking up the helicopter, the Reserve crew will fly it to Afghanistan, where it will be used in flood relief operations.

An active-duty crew from the 62nd AW will mirror this mission with a second C-17.

The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29, according to Col. William Flanigan, 446th AW commander.

"The U.S. is committed to the welfare of the people of Pakistan and will continue to provide assistance during this period of terrible suffering," said Col. Kevin J. Kilb, 62nd AW commander. "The U.S. government applauds the Government of Pakistan efforts to provide support to its citizens and stands ready, with the international community, to further support these efforts."

Supporting disaster relief in Pakistan is a familiar role for Reservists from the 446th AW. Tech. Sgt. Heather Normand, a loadmaster with the 728th AS, took part in relief missions following the earthquake in Pakistan in 2005.

"I think it's fantastic the way our aircrews respond to this type of humanitarian mission," said Sergeant Normand. "It's really nice when we get to airlift supplies for such a good cause."