Operation Phantom Fury--Day 360 - Now Operations River Blitz; Matador--Day 255

Troops Clear Junkyard of Bomb-making Ammo

The ordnance-clearing operation was completed with a focus on safety and there were no injuries during the controlled detonations.

A U.S. soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, prepares a pile of munitions for demolition in rural east Baghdad, Iraq. A scrap-metal junkyard was cleared of unexploded ordnance, which included 1,135 mortar rounds, 632 artillery rounds, 195 rockets, 22 mines and six bombs. (U.S. Army photo)

By U.S. Amry 2nd Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 1, 2005 — More than 2,400 rounds of unexploded ordnance were discovered and destroyed in a 12-day operation in rural east Baghdad.

U.S. soldiers from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, and up to 45 Iraqi contractors were involved in the operation Oct. 9 through 23 to deny terrorists the use of bomb-making material.

A scrap-metal junkyard was cleared of unexploded ordnance, which included 1,135 mortar rounds, 632 artillery rounds, 195 rockets, 22 mines and six bombs.

"The operation takes possible improvised explosive devices off the streets," said U.S. Army Sgt. Frank Neal, the small-arms master gunner for the troop.

Neal said the operation to destroy the ordnance was completed with a focus on safety and that none of the soldiers or Iraqi contractors who helped collect the munitions suffered any injuries during the controlled detonations.

More Photos

Airmen, Soldiers Dispose of Three 5,000-Pound Rockets

The joint effort to dispose of the Soviet-era rockets improved information available to explosive ordnance disposal personnel and removed hazards to both troops and Afghan civilians.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sabrina Baker clears a path for U.S. Army soldiers to load three 5,000-pound rockets onto a wrecker near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2005. Baker, a native of Orlando, Fla., is deployed to Bagram from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald)

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald - 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2005 — U.S. airmen and soldiers joined forces here Oct. 29 to transport and destroy three 5,000-pound rockets.

Lessons learned from this joint operation will help validate explosive ordnance disposal procedures and improve information available to explosive ordnance disposal technicians throughout the Defense Department.

"After more than two months of planning, we teamed up with the Army [explosive ordnance disposal], vehicle maintenance and ammo soldiers to transport the three rockets from a Soviet ammunition supply point to a secure site where they were later destroyed," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dustin Prowell, noncommissioned officer in charge, 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. Prowell and the rest of his Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team are deployed to Bagram from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

If not destroyed, the rockets could have posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces serving here as part of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

"Each of these rockets contained more than 2,000 pounds of propellant, which could have proved deadly to our forces if they found their way into the wrong hands," said Prowell, a native of Roseburg, Ore. "Our job Saturday was to eliminate that threat."

U.S. Army Sgt. William Berry, 23rd Ordnance Company, Miesan, Germany, said his team's interaction with the Air Force always proves beneficial.

"We regularly work alongside our Air Force counterparts to help get whatever job needs to be done in a timely manner," said Berry, a native of Pensacola, Fla. "The best part of our interaction with them is that we can, in support of the ongoing war effort, move and/or dispose of ammunition whenever called upon."

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sabrina Baker, explosive ordnance disposal equipment journeyman, said she's enjoying her role in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

"One of the best parts of our job is that it is out of the ordinary," Baker said. "Everyone contributes their piece of the overall puzzle, but our job is distinctly unique. Not many people can say they defuse bombs and blow things up for a living.

"It's rewarding to know that my job directly impacts our U.S. and coalition forces as well as the local community," she continued. "By going out and clearing these hazards, we are helping prevent accidents and improving the area and overall well-being of the people of Afghanistan."

Whether taught in a classroom or on-the-job environment, explosive ordnance disposal technicians here expect the lessons learned from their most recent transport and disposal operations to bring in more big dividends.

Marine Corps to Join U.S. Special Operations Command

By Donna Miles - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2005 – The Marine Corps will soon officially join the special operations community with a new Marine Special Operations Command to become a component of U.S. Special Operations Command, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld announced here today.

Rumsfeld announced his approval of the plan, part of a sweeping range of transformations under way to strengthen the U.S. military and its special operations forces, during a Pentagon news briefing.

The new command "will increase the number of special operations forces available for missions worldwide while expanding their capabilities in some key areas," Rumsfeld told reporters.

The new command will formalize a longstanding relationship between the Marine Corps and Special Operations Command, Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Douglas Powell told the American Forces Press Service.

It will increase Special Operations Command's ability to field highly skilled special operators in the numbers required to support of the war on terror and other missions, he said.

The command's members will train foreign military units and carry out other Marine Corps missions traditionally associated with special operations work: intelligence, logistics, fire-support coordination, direct action and special reconnaissance, among them, Powell said.

The 2,600-member command will have three subordinate elements: a special operations regiment, foreign military training unit and special operations support group.

A portion of the command will train and deploy with Marine expeditionary units, enhancing those units' special operations capability, officials said.

The command headquarters and nearly all its elements will be based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. One element of the Marine Special Operations Regiment will be stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The activation date for the new command has not been set, and its elements are expected to phase in their operations. Some elements, including the Foreign Military Training Unit, are expected to assume missions almost immediately, officials said.

Marine Brig. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik will be the MARSOC's first commander, officials said. Hejlik previously served as deputy commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Surge in IED Attacks Coincides With Iraqi Political Progress

By Donna Miles - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2005 – It's little surprise that October turned out to be one of the most violent months in Iraq, as insurgents stepped up their attacks in an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the Oct. 15 referendum, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Pentagon reporters today.

"It's understandable that the two months that have had the highest casualties were last January and this October," Marine Gen. Peter Pace said. Both were election months during which more U.S. and coalition forces were on the ground in Iraq to help maintain security, he pointed out.

"And as we projected would happen, the insurgents were trying to divert the Iraqi people, prevent them from participating in the political process," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld cited a pattern of increasing troop strength during election times, when terrorists are most likely to try to disrupt that process. However, he said, no decisions have yet been made about troop strengths during Iraq's upcoming Dec. 15 national elections.

"But it would not be a surprise to me that the commanders would want to have some sort of an overlap there," the secretary said.

Improvised explosive devices remain a big concern, Pace said. He noted that while attacks are on the increase, their actual effectiveness has dropped.

"Between the increase in armor and the changes in tactics, techniques and procedures that we've employed, the numbers of ... IED attacks that have been effective has gone down, and the numbers of casualties per effective attack has gone down," he said.

Meanwhile, the military is doing everything in its power to help protect troops against these attacks, Pace said.

"We are continuing to work through all of our technologies, tactics, techniques and procedures to provide to our soldiers and Marines on the ground the best possible personal protection - not only in the form of armor, but also in how we operate on the battlefield," he said.

Pace declined to provide specifics about how insurgents are deploying roadside bombs or how coalition forces are protecting themselves against them, "because that really would put our troops at risk," he said.

Guam Guard 'Water Dawgs' Head to Iraq

The Guam National Guard detachment, which operates Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, will be tasked to water support duties while deployed.

Friends and family members say "goodbye for now" to soldiers of the 909th Quartermaster Detachment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cheryl Ransford)

By U.S. Army Spc. Cheryl Ransford - 17th Public Affairs Detachment

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Nov. 1, 2005 — Since 1982, the 909th Quartermaster Detachment has participated extensively in humanitarian support missions to provide water to people affected by typhoons, floods, earthquakes and other disasters.

Another chapter in the history of the unit was written Oct. 25 when 21 soldiers prepared to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The detachment is located at Fort Juan Muna in Dededo, Guam, home to four Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units. Each unit is capable of producing 3,000 gallons of either potable or non-potable water every hour.

"Today marks the end of 90 days of hard training and preparation," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, adjutant general, Guam National Guard. "Your mission is clear... you will provide water support to an ongoing mission. Carry with you not only the distinction of your unit but also the distinction of the many other units from Guam who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Currently, 21 Guam National Guard soldiers in the detachment operate the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit and are proudly called the "water dawgs."

In a speech read by Goldhorn, Gov. Felix P. Camacho, the governor of Guam, said "Words cannot explain my gratitude for your service. You are soldiers of freedom and ambassadors of peace."

Some of the unit's most notable humanitarian support missions include Palau in 1996, where it produced 12,000 gallons of water for the residents of the main island, Koror; and September 1997, July 2002 and December 2002, when the unit was called upon to provide water support to the thousands of residents of Guam and the surrounding islands when typhoons Paka, Chatta'n and Pongsona struck the territory and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The detachment's water capabilities have been instrumental in providing essential aid to communities in moments of crisis.

While this is the unit's first deployment to a combat zone, the soldiers have maintained their morale and are ready for what lies ahead of them.

"I'm nervous but very confident in the skills of the team," said U.S. Army Spc. Jason Marquez, water purification specialist. "Also, I am looking forward to the different things that we'll have the opportunity to experience while we are over there."

With motivation high, within a tight-knit group of soldiers, the governor had one last comment to make in his speech.

"Go with courage and strength," he said. "Do what needs to be done, knowing that every day we are thinking of you and praying for you."

When the ceremony ended, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Walter P. DeJesus, 105th Troop Command, Guam National Guard, gave his final parting comment.

"The time will come when you will return and share your experiences with us," said DeJesus. "Until then, Godspeed."

Ohio National Guard Special Forces unit deploys overseas

Troops Bring Food, Water to Baghdad Neighborhood

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers conduct a humanitarian mission to residents of the Seven Palaces neighborhood.

Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Nameer Mohammed (left) and U.S. Army Capt. Roger Miick, a civil affairs officer assigned to the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, discuss a humanitarian aid mission in Baghdad, Oct. 26, 2005. (U.S. Army photo)

By U.S. Army Spc. Ben Brody - 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

SEVEN PALACES, Iraq, Nov. 1, 2005 — Iraqi Army troops, in coordination with U.S. soldiers from 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, distributed food and water to residents of Seven Palaces in north Baghdad Oct. 26.

The battalion is an Army Reserve special operations unit based out of Fort Lewis, Wash. The unit is currently deployed to Iraq in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers from 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade distributed 1,200 Halal-certified food rations and 1,200 1.5-liter bottles of water that had been stockpiled as a contingency against possible violence on the day Iraqis voted on the constitutional referendum.

Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Nameer Mohammed said he felt the food should go to needy families in Baghdad.

"The people feel happy when we come to their neighborhoods, because we often give away food to the poor," Mohammed said. "It is good training for the soldiers, too, and they learn to organize the crowds that arrive."

Seven Palaces is a poor area that was once farmland but is now home to many people who came to Baghdad seeking work, but can't afford to live downtown. The name is a tongue-in-cheek term from the area's farming days when there were only seven small houses in the neighborhood, said Iraqi Army Warrant Officer Abdul Razak.

"We are working for one goal - to build the army that will protect and free Iraq," Razak said. "It will take time, but we are building the confidence of the people every day."

Razak, a former Iraqi Army sergeant major, said he was imprisoned at Abu Ghraib for five years under Saddam Hussein's regime for speaking out against the dictator. He was liberated in 2003 by U.S. forces.

As the Iraqi soldiers rolled into town, a crowd quickly assembled around the trucks carrying bottled water and Halal rations, and residents eagerly carted away the donations.

"Civil military operations like this are relatively new to the Iraqi Army, but they're picking it up quickly and see the importance of assisting their people," said U.S. Army Capt. Roger Miick, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion. "They're still fighting a battle against insurgents, but they know it's important to do what they can to help."

Miick observed the humanitarian aid drop to both assess the Iraqi Army's performance and determine residents' additional needs.

"Everyone wants shoes, winter clothes and blankets as soon as we can get them," said U.S. Army Capt. Michelle Dyarman, a battalion team leader. "We have hundreds of kerosene heaters to distribute, but we need to line up a consistent supplier of fuel with the Ministry of Oil first."

After receiving a kiss on the cheek from a little girl who had her arms full of donated food and water, Dyarman said the mission was a big success.

"This is the best humanitarian assistance drop yet - the Iraqi Army did a great job," Dyarman said. "People are happy to see us and really appreciate what the troops are doing."

Bagram survival equipment duo keeps A-10 pilots safe

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Andrew Topor assembles an aircrew survival vest. Sergeant Topor, a survival equipment supervisor/rigger, is deployed here from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. James H. Cunningham) (Released)

By Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald - 455th Air Expeditionary Wing

11/1/2005 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- From an initial review to final inspection, a survival equipment duo here is helping keep A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots safe and secure as they fly close-air support missions as part of the global war on terrorism.

Whether assembling an antiG-suit, parachute or survival vest, Staff Sgt. Andrew Topor and Senior Airman Adam Hatch, both deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., are known for weaving together excellence.

“If we’ve done our job correctly, A-10 aircrews can step into the cockpit, conduct their mission and return home safely,” said Sergeant Topor, a survival equipment supervisor/rigger, with the 455th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

“We don’t get to see if the maintenance we do on the equipment works out or not, and if we do, that means something went wrong,” said Sergeant Topor, a native of Columbus, Ga. “But if something were to happen, knowing that they made it to the ground safely because of the work we do gives us a sense of accomplishment … that we saved a life.”

Airman Hatch, a survival equipment technician/rigger, said he enjoys doing what he’s paid to do and is glad to serve his country during a time of war.

“This job, like any other, is truly what you make of it,” said Airman Hatch, a native of Woodsville, N.H. “It’s extremely rewarding to know we are a vital part of making a successful mission happen.

“Regardless of how difficult it is at times, it is an honor and a privilege to serve and do my small part to complete the mission and return home safely,” said Airman Hatch. “This is an experience to be proud of and one I will certainly carry with me always.”

Sisters Make the Most of Deployment

U.S. Army Spcs. Elizabeth and Juanita Rodriguez are sharing more than the same laugh, the same job, and the same last name these days. They are also sharing an experience that has brought them closer as sisters; they are both stationed at Camp Chapman, Afghanistan, during their deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom VI. (U.S. Army photo)

November 01, 2005

CAMP CHAPMAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Spcs. Elizabeth and Juanita Rodriguez are sharing more than the same laugh, the same job, and the same last name these days. They are also sharing an experience that has brought them closer as sisters; they are both stationed at Camp Chapman, Afghanistan, during their deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom VI.

The Rodriguez’s, both National Guard automated logistics specialists with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Mechanized Infantry Unit out of Lubbock, Texas, never dreamed that they would be deployed together.

"We got mobilized together, we trained for our deployment together, and we left home together...," said Juanita, 24.

"...But I was supposed to go to Iraq," said Elizabeth, 20, finishing her sister’s sentence.

That was the first of several expected separations that never happened for the sisters.

Another came when they arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where they were told that they would be going to separate bases here. They were both surprised to see their names on the same list to go to Chapman.

"We just think it’s so cool that we’re together because we know that we’re Ok.," said Elizabeth.

"Yeah, we’re getting to share the same experiences," added Juanita. "It’s easier on our parents too because they know that we’re together and can look out after each other."

And look out after each other they do. They have been through several rocket attacks at Chapman and are usually in the same bunker together, but on one occasion, the sisters were separated.

"Elizabeth turned to me during a lull in the rockets and said, ‘Can I go check on my sister?’" said Master Sgt. Rudolfo Martinez, the Civil Affairs Team – B noncommissioned officer in charge. "That really impressed me. It’s just an example of the love these sisters have for each other."

The sisters admit that they’ve gotten to spend more time together since they’ve been deployed than they’ve spent together in years.

"At home, we don’t really hang out or see each other unless we go to our mom’s house at the same time," said Juanita. "We haven’t lived together for six years. Now we get to have lunch and dinner together every day that we’re not on the same guard shift. When we are on the same shift, we have to take turns getting lunch."

Juanita, who had dreamed of being in the military since she was a small girl, was the first of the sisters to join. She signed up in 1999.

In 2001, when Elizabeth was a junior in high school, she called Juanita to ask her opinion on if she should also join the military.

"It was Juanita who convinced me to get the same job as her," said Elizabeth. "I did a split-option enlistment because I was still in high school, so I went to basic training the summer between my junior and senior years and went to (Advanced Individual Training) after graduation."

The Rodriguez’s are typical siblings. They share many things in common, but have their own individual personalities.

"We’re a lot alike, but we’re so different at the same time," said Juanita.

"We’re both outspoken, but Juanita’s more serious and responsible," said Elizabeth.

"At home, I help to make sure she’s squared away for drill," said Juanita.

"Yeah, she plays ‘big sister’ a lot," said Elizabeth, laughing and elbowing Juanita.

In the evenings after work, the sisters like to do their own things. Juanita likes to hang out with some of the other soldiers and play volleyball while Elizabeth prefers curling up to a good movie or watching her sister play volleyball from the sidelines.

Like most siblings, they have their quarrels too.

"Even though we’re deployed, we still have our sibling spats," said Juanita.

"We’ll be cussing each other out then say, ‘OK, you want to go to lunch?’" said Elizabeth.

The sisters left two younger sisters, Cynthia, 11, and Alexa, 2, and their parents Ricardo and Maria behind in Plains, Texas. They are eagerly waiting to all be together again.

By Spc. Laura E. Griffin - Task Force Devil Public Affairs

Rusafa water plant expansion brings Iraqis clean water

Water from the Tigris River is stored in these pools at the Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant prior to its filtration. The plant recently completed expansion, allowing enough drinking water for approximately 2 million Al-Rusafa residents. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Task Force Baghdad PAO)

November 01, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The expansion of a water treatment plant in the Al-Rusafa region has brought thousands of gallons of fresh, clean water into residents’ homes since the 18-month project was completed in mid-July.

The Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant project included installation of more pipes, the extension of a pump housing area, and installation of more filters.

The expansion has increased the plant’s output to about 80 million gallons of water a day -- enough to supply water to about 2 million citizens, said Mr. Mazin, chairman of the provincial council and government representative of the expansion project. Mazin said it is the Iraqi government’s duty to look out for its citizens, and this project is just one way to do that.

"We have promised our dear citizens that we will carry out these projects," Mazin said. "This is just one of the projects we have promised them. We are trying very hard to expand such projects and start new ones in other areas to reach a desirable amount of drinking water being pumped to the city of Baghdad."

The treatment plant was originally built in 1935, according to a project fact sheet. The expansion included more than 42,000 cubic meters of earthwork and more than 23,000 cubic meters of concrete, and 4,800 meters of piping, as well as seven pump machines which Mazin said are an integral part of the purification process.

"These pools (of water) surrounded by concrete are from the Tigris River, where it undergoes the first steps of purification," Mazin said. "The second step of purification uses the seven pump machines, where it will be put in the large pools where they will add chlorine and other products of sterilization before it is pumped into pipe networks. From there, it heads for the Al-Rusafa district."

The expansion project also benefited local citizens by employing 700 Iraqi laborers during construction.

Mazin hopes to continue expanding projects to areas around Baghdad, but wants to gain the support of the Iraqi citizens during these projects which often require patience.

"We just need funds and time to start similar projects in other places and we need the citizens’ patience," Mazin said. "We want to let the people know that the Baghdad Governorate Council is the representative of the people and is overlooking the process of these projects."

By Spc. Derek Del Rosario - Task Force Baghdad PAO

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Water from the Tigris River is transferred through these pipes at the Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant prior to its filtration. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Task Force Baghdad PAO)

Additional water pumps and other machinery were installed during the expansion of the Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Task Force Baghdad PAO)

Mr. Mazin, chairman of the provincial council and government representative of the Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant expansion project, showcases the expanded above-ground pipe system at the plant Oct 24. The expansion provides approximately 80 million gallons of water a day to more than 2 million Al-Rusafa region residents. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Task Force Baghdad PAO)

U. S. Servicemembers Continue to Aid Pakistan Quake Victims

Air Force Staff Sgts. Mario Mendizabal (left) and Ryan Atkinson, 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, observe the canopies of 14 pallets of humanitarian relief supplies open after being released from a C-130 Hercules over Pakistan Oct. 29. Two U.S. military aircraft delivered an estimated 50,000 pounds of aid, which included water, food and tents for shelter. (Photo by Army Sgt. Douglas DeMaio)

November 01, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American military personnel are working around the clock to deliver relief supplies to earthquake-stricken regions of Pakistan, Pentagon officials said.

About 875 U. S. servicemembers are flying missions and providing support to the area northeast of the capital of Islamabad. Winter is setting in to the region, and blankets, shelter, food, clean water and medical care are in short supply, officials in Pakistan said.

About 225 soldiers have deployed with the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital to Muzaffarabad, the epicenter of the quake. The hospital has a surgical capability, and has 24 intensive-care-unit beds, 36 medical-surgical beds and 60 medium- to -minimal-care beds. A U. S. water-purification unit is also operational in the remains of the city.

About 125 engineers with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 are working to clear roads and set up shelters. The Defense Logistics Agency delivered 800 tents to the region, and another 1,000 are on the way, officials said.

A total of 24 Army and Navy helicopters are operating in the region, with nine more expected to begin operations soon. Weather is curtailing some flights, but military personnel are flying whenever and wherever possible, officials said.

Oct. 30 was a typical day, with the choppers flying 52 sorties, according to a news release from Pakistan. They airlifted more than 310,000 pounds of supplies and carried 583 passengers. They also evacuated 64 people.

Since the quake struck Oct. 8, U. S. helicopters have flown 885 missions and evacuated 3,138 people. They have delivered almost 3. 5 million pounds of supplies to areas the quake isolated.

Air Force C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also delivered critical supplies to the region. The aircraft have also airdropped supplies to areas when the weather is too bad or the altitude too high for the choppers to fly.

There have been 95 airlift missions to Pakistan, carrying 882 tons of humanitarian-assistance supplies, 726 tons of equipment and 53 tons of medical supplies.

The Defense Department has also assisted Pakistan in moving relief supplies from foreign governments. American forces have delivered supplies from Bahrain, Egypt, France and the United Arab Emirates.

The Navy is moving relief supplies into Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and port. The USS Cleveland delivered 37 pieces of engineering equipment and relief supplies Oct 27. The USS Pearl Harbor made its second trip to the city and offloaded heavy engineering equipment Oct. 29. Two U. S. -funded contract ships are also under way to the port.

By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service

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