U.S.
Pacific Command is sending a forward command
element (FCE) to Utapao, Thailand, to establish the
command, control and communication structure for
Joint Task Force 536 (JTF 536).
Thailand's decision to allow use of this
Thai military facility is welcomed. The U.S.
intends to use, with Thailand's cooperation, this
military facility as a regional support center for
emergency and medical personnel providing assistance
throughout the region as well as a staging area for
U.S. military and rescue aircraft, forensic experts,
and other relief assistance.
The FCE and follow-on JTF will
coordinate U.S. military relief efforts in the
region. The FCE and JTF will work with the U.S.
Department of State, the U.S. Agency for
International Development, host nations and
humanitarian relief agencies to identify
requirements and coordinate relief efforts.
The focus of the mission will be to
prevent further loss of life and human suffering by
expeditiously applying resources to the overall
relief effort. The FCE team is comprised mainly of
personnel from the
III Marine Expeditionary Force. Additional
personnel will be deployed from other locations in
the Pacific command area of responsibility.
U.S. military relief efforts include:
-
U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft in
Yokota, Japan, loaded with relief supplies
are expected to deploy to Utapao, Royal Thai
Air Force Base, Thailand.
-
U.S. Navy deployed P-3 aircraft from Kadena,
Japan, to operate in the vicinity of
Thailand with Utapao, Royal Thai Air Force
Base, serving as a hub for operations.
-
Other forces enroute to the region that
could be committed to relief efforts, if
necessary, include USS Abraham Lincoln
Carrier Strike Group, including USS Shoup,
USS Shiloh, USS Benfold, and USNS Ranier and
USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike
Group, including USS Duluth, USS Milius, USS
Rushmore, USS Thach, USS Pasadena and USCG
Munro.
U.S. military exercises often include
training for humanitarian assistance. This
humanitarian assistance training helps ensure the
U.S. military is able to rapidly respond as directed
to support relief efforts.
The Commander of the U.S. Pacific
Command will continue to review resources available
and direct forces as necessary to provide authorized
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to
affected nations in the region.