Spokesperson of the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, announced that the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier was sent to Turkey to support search and rescue and humanitarian aid efforts in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes affecting 10 provinces.
At the daily press conference, on behalf of the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Pentagon, Ryder, who conveyed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, said that Austin had spoken to the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar on the phone and continued to provide support according to Turkey’s needs. He said he promised they would.
Ryder stated that, upon Turkey’s call for international assistance, the US forces stationed at Incirlik Air Base started to move the first aid teams to the earthquake zones on 7 February.
“WE ARE WITH OUR ALLIANCE”
Ryder stated that the Pentagon also carried the search and rescue team sent by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to Turkey with a C-17 plane.
“The US European Command (EUCOM) has sent a team to support the USAID disaster relief team. We expect them to be there on February 9. EUCOM is also actively working to deploy additional elements for any new requests from the Turkish government and relief efforts. Again, we offer our condolences and stand by our ally to heal the wounds of this terrible disaster and save people.”
Pointing out that EUCOM is actively working on medical aid and water supply, Ryder said, “The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush in the Mediterranean is moving towards Turkey for possible additional support requests. We are preparing to respond to requests for assistance as quickly as possible. ” he said. (AA)