CENTCOM Public Affairs has provided us the latest news releases concerning US earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan.  US and Coalition forces responded quickly by delivering the first relief supplies within 48 hours.  Helicopter support from Afghanistan was also due to arrive in Pakistan yesterday.  Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, in coordination with Gen. John Abizaid, CENTCOM Commander, is dispatching additional assets to the disaster area, including medical support and heavy ground lift equipment.

First U.S. humanitarian airlift reaches Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A United States Air Force C—17 delivered the first relief supplies here within 48 hours  of the devastating earthquake that has left thousands dead and thousands more injured and displaced.

The aircraft and its crew from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets —— weighing almost 90,000 pounds — of food, water, medicine and blankets from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

With only a few hours notice, Airmen and Soldiers at Bagram, successfully worked to palletize the humanitarian relief supplies and prepare them for the flight.  Three aerial port specialists were also on the flight to coordinate and manage the cargo once it arrived at Islamabad.

Statement from the Secretary of Defense on the South Asian earthquake

"On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense, I express my condolences to those affected by the earthquake in South Asia.

"The Department of Defense is working closely with the State Department, and affected governments, to provide assistance to ease the suffering and assist in search and rescue operations.

"General John Abizaid, the Commander of the United States Central Command, and others have been in touch with military officials in Pakistan, and is moving five CH—47 and three UH—60 helicopters into Pakistan immediately."

Coalition sends helicopter support to assist Pakistan earthquake recovery

KABUL , Afghanistan — At the request of the Pakistan Government, Combined Forces Command—Afghanistan will send U.S. Army helicopters and support personnel to assist with emergency recovery operations due to the earthquake in Pakistan.

Following Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice's statement of support for relief, recovery and rescue operations, five CH—47 Chinook helicopters and three UH—60 Blackhawk helicopters with their associated crews should arrive Monday.  They will provide rescue, recovery and logistics assistance.