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BISIRA, PANAMA -- Community members in Besira, Panama unload 3,000 pounds of food ‎staples and water from a Joint Task Force-Bravo UH-60 Black Hawk ‎helicopter Friday. Photo by JTF-Bravo photo

U.S. troops providing flood relief in Panama, Costa Rica

Dec 03, 2008
BY JTF-Bravo

CHANGUINOLA, Panama (Army News Service, Dec. 2, 2008) -- Two U.S. military disaster-relief teams from Joint Task Force-Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, have delivered more than 278,000 pounds of relief supplies to victims in flood-affected communities in Panama and Costa Rica.

The teams, composed of 68 U.S. military personnel from the task force, have been supporting U.S. relief efforts in both countries since Nov. 26. During the past week, the teams have flown 95 missions, using eight "Chinook" and "Blackhawk" helicopters to distribute aid and evacuate 17 flood victims in need of immediate medical attention.

U.S. Southern Command directed the teams to support ongoing U.S. relief efforts in Costa Rica and Panama after authorities in both countries declared a state of emergency and requested U.S. assistance.

"We are here to help, and our teams are prepared to do whatever we can -- be it through continued airlift support, search and rescue missions or medical assistance," said Army Col. Richard Juergens, JTF-Bravo commander. "We are working hand in hand with our Panamanian and Costa Rican partners to provide help to those who need it most."...

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