Map of tsunami affected area
The U.S. Military is stepping up to the plate once again on the world stage:
Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors and six CH-53D "Sea Stallion" helicopters will deploy in the coming days from Marine Corps Base Hawaii in support of ongoing Tsunami Relief Operations in South Asia on US Air Force aircraft.
All six helicopters are from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-362 (HMH-362), the "Ugly Angels," commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Minaldi. They will be airlifted via C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft to the region, where they will likely be used to transport emergency relief supplies and assist with evacuating injured persons.
The Marines and Sailors deploying are from both the squadron and from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-24 (MALS-24), both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group-24. No timetable has been set for their return.
DR
