RELEASE: Update on SOUTHCOM support to Venezuela earthquake relief, July 1

At the direction of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the U.S. military continues supporting the State Department-led U.S. government earthquake relief response in Venezuela.

• The Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) is now fully operational and is working with the Government of Venezuela and the State Department, as well as Allies, partners and other agencies on the ground to coordinate U.S. military support to Venezuelan relief operations.

• Joint Task Force-B (JTF-B) has relocated some of its advanced elements from Simón Bolívar International Airport to the Port of La Guaira, directly adjacent to the USS Fort Lauderdale, and is helping to establish a vital command-and-control node in support of coordination efforts and the rapid movement of humanitarian aid.

• JTF-B has also inserted a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD) into the relief and aid operations. A FRSD is a specialized U.S. Army medical unit designed to provide immediate life-saving surgical support.

• Ten medium-sized military transport trucks, three trailers, three highly mobile off-road vehicles, and a military ambulance are on the ground and under the operational control of a U.S. Marine Combat Logistics Company. In addition to this, the highly specialized Marine logisticians have on hand a water purification system, a tram, a mobile potable water container, and a military-grade tow truck/wrecker.

• The USS Fort Lauderdale continues to be berthed at La Guaira Port, serving as a critical communications and distribution node and a vital medical support platform. Nearby, the USS Billings remains postured in the vicinity of Venezuelan territorial waters, providing rotary-wing air capabilities to quickly transport aid and supplies to otherwise inaccessible areas.

• The Contingency Response Element (CRE) remains fully operational at Simón Bolívar International Airport where it continues to conduct airfield management, air traffic coordination, communications, and security. The Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) is also located at Simón Bolívar International Airport, capable of fully supporting all military rotary-wing aircraft missions in the area of operations.

Updated information about the Department of War's support to the U.S. government's earthquake relief mission in Venezuela and life-saving assistance to the Venezuelan people will be posted on SOUTHCOM's official social media accounts.

Planning of additional U.S. military support is ongoing in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, the Venezuelan government, and other partners and Allies contributing to the ongoing international relief effort and will be announced once confirmed.

POINT OF CONTACT Email: [email protected]