United States Transportation Command

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (USTCNS) --- A Dover Team C-5 Galaxy aircraft flew equipment to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in support of the U.S. relief efforts to India's earthquake victims Feb. 1.

Loadmasters from the 709th and 326th Airlift Squadrons strategically loaded the C-5 Jan. 31 with one two and a half-ton truck, two 400-gallon water trailers, and two rough terrain forklifts, which arrived from the Defense Logistics Agency located in Susquehanna, Pa.

"The C-5, who's crew was combination of members from the 3rd and 9th Airlift Squadrons, changed crews at Travis Air Force Base," said Capt. Elissa Beddow, 436th Operations Support Squadron. "Then the C-5 flew nonstop to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, where the cargo was loaded on to two C-17s en route to Ahmedabad, India."

In anticipation of Dover AFB being tasked with the support mission, members of the 436th Logistics Group were proactive and worked through the weekend, Jan. 26 - 28, to prepare aircraft.

"We weren't certain if Dover was going to be tasked with a relief mission or not," said Lt. Col. Edward Skibinski, 436th Logistics Group Deputy Commander. "In anticipation of the humanitarian taskings, all of the 436th Aircraft Generation Squadron and some of the 436th Equipment Maintenance Squadron went to 12-hour shifts on Saturday. They did a fantastic job in prepping the fleet, and we were able to resume normal shifts on Sunday. The remaining folks were placed on telephone stand-by."

Supplies and cargo are being sent to India, which was struck by an earthquake measuring approximately 7.9 on the Richter Scale Jan. 26. Bhuj, the town closest to the quake's epicenter, was the hardest hit according to Indian government officials. Officials are also estimating about 20,000 have been killed and about 50,000 have been injured in the disaster zone.

Other U.S. aid being delivered by Air Mobility Command aircraft include 100 large tents capable of accommodating about 50-people each, 10,000 blankets and sleeping bags.

"We are very proud of the quick and tireless efforts of Dover Team members in assisting the people of India in their time of need," said Col. S. Taco Gilbert III, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "Our condolences go out to the victims and the victims' families." (FROM DOVER AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS).

Dover AFB supports U.S. relief efforts to India

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