LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Airmen of the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base have dedicated three C-130Js to help Haiti with humanitarian aid and relief after Hurricane Matthew swept through and devastated the country.
Of the three, one aircraft has been sent to Haiti to provide relief. The other two are on standby to offer support. The aircraft from the 61st Airlift Squadron transported personnel and a HUMVEE along with other supplies to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to aid operations from the United States.
"Humanitarian aid and disaster relief is a part of unrivaled airlift," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ochoa, 61st AS commander. "It is one of the most rewarding missions people can be a part of."
In 2005, Little Rock AFB was a part of the relief effort during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The base was used as a supply hub and medical evacuation center.
"It feels good to be in a position to be able to help other people," said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Rebolledo, 61st AS C-130J pilot. "We have immense capability and flexibility to do so beasue of our assets."
The air force base in Little Rock is home to the largest collection of C-130 aircrafts.
