Pope Airmen support relief efforts

Senior Airman James Neely, crew chief assigned to the 2nd Airlift Squadron, cleans the windshield on a C-130 aircraft in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 15. The aircraft, assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing, traveled to Port-au-Prince in support of Humanitarian relief efforts after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the island nation Jan 12. (U.S. Air Force photo/Vicki Johnson)

Pope Airmen support relief efforts

Senior Airman James Neely, crew chief assigned to the 2nd Airlift Squadron, secures seats on a C-130 aircraft in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 15. The aircraft, assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing, traveled to Port-au-Prince in support of Humanitarian relief efforts after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation Jan 12. (U.S. Air Force photo/Vicki Johnson)

Pope Airmen make a difference

Published Jan. 17, 2010
By Vicki Johnson
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Since being tapped to assist with relief efforts after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti Jan. 12, Pope has been a hub of activity. Twenty six aircraft have been launched, 487 passengers transported and 102.87 short tons of cargo including equipment, supplies, food and water have been moved from Green Ramp, Pope's strategic platform, since relief operations began Jan.13.

The Air Force's airlift capability enables the U.S. to respond immediately to any disaster domestically or worldwide. The U.S. is the only country with an aircraft fleet capable of providing this type of response.

Senior Airman James Neely, crew chief assigned to the 2nd Airlift Squadron, was already on his second flight in the same number of days.

"It's a good feeling to be able to help out, like I'm making a difference in the world" he said.

Staff Sgt. Renea Johnston, 95th Airlift Squadron loadmaster agreed.

"We don't get to do this type of thing very often," she said. "When you get a chance to help someone out, someone really in need, it's very rewarding."

The crew transported passengers and delivered supplies, including food and water, before heading back to Pope to do it all over again.

"Pope Airmen have been working around the clock to support the Joint Task Force humanitarian relief effort in Haiti," said Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander. "From transporting Fort Bragg Soldiers to providing essential equipment and supplies, we couldn't be more proud of our Airmen"

AMC is participating in a swift and coordinated relief effort to save lives and alleviate human suffering in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.