Rapid relief ready

A 919th Special Operations Wing MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft taxis from its Duke Field parking spot Jan. 14 on a mission to deliver personnel and equipment for the U.S. military's humanitarian relief operation aiding the earthquake-stricken nation of Haiti. The Air Force Reserve unit is participating in Air Force Special Operations Command's rapid response effort for the impacted region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Neely)

Gearing up

Air Force reservists from the 919th Security Forces Squadron's Deployed Air Ground Response Element conduct function checks of their equipment Jan. 14, hours before departing on a mission in support of humanitarian relief efforts for the earthquake-stricken nation of Haiti. Duke Field's 919th Special Operations Wing is participating in Air Force Special Operations Command's rapid response effort to deliver U.S. military personnel and equipment to the impacted region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Neely)

Duke Field reservists answer call for Haiti quake relief

Published Jan. 15, 2010
By Dan Neely
919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Duke Field, Fla. -- The Air Force Reserve's 919th Special Operations Wing launched an MC-130E aircraft late Thursday in support of humanitarian operations in Haiti. The wing is supporting Air Force Special Operations Command's rapid response mission to the earthquake-devastated country.

The Duke Field aircraft was tasked to deliver military personnel and equipment. The 919th SOW reservists are helping pave the way for the larger U.S. military aid effort led by U.S. Southern Command.

"We're proud to be participating in the humanitarian relief operations in Haiti," said Col. Jon Weeks, 919th SOW commander. "Our people are well trained and equipped to respond to these types of situations. Any time we're called upon, we have the proven capabilities and experience to deliver assistance to areas that urgently need it."

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a 919th SOW aircraft flew one of the first relief missions to land at New Orleans International Airport. In 1992, the unit flew similar missions to Homestead Air Force Base after the installation was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Andrew.