US assists with Turkish earthquake relief

  • Published
  • By Capt. William Russell
  • U.S. Air Force in Europe Public Affairs
United States Air Forces in Europe sent a C-130J Super Hercules loaded with arctic relief supplies to southeastern Turkey, Nov. 13 to aid victims of recent earthquakes here.

The C-130J, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to deliver supplies to the Van region of Turkey, which is coping with the after effects of two earthquakes that occurred on Oct. 23 and Nov. 9, 2011.

"First and foremost, our condolences go out to the people of Turkey affected by these natural disasters," said Capt. Bryan Swierenga, 37th Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. "Turkey is a resilient country and the government will put these humanitarian supplies to good use."

In total, USAFE as the air component for U.S. European Command delivered more than 28,000 pounds of supplies to include heaters, empty fuel canisters and 115 arctic tents to the region.

The relief supplies were provided by the Norwegian Defense Logistic and Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Stjordal, Norway.

"It is always a great feeling to help out one of our allies," said Capt. Austin Rust, 37th Airlift Squadron pilot. "It has been a cooperative effort from the start with the State Department and EUCOM taking charge by delivering these cold weather supplies to the government of Turkey as they lead the relief efforts after two major earthquakes."