Navy could help with Peru quake if asked - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools
Print Email
Bookmark and Share
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/08/navy_quake_comfort_070816w/

Navy could help with Peru quake if asked


By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Aug 16, 2007 12:45:16 EDT

If Peruvian government officials ask for help from the U.S. in recovering from Wednesday’s earthquake, the hospital ship Comfort is prepared to turn around and offer assistance, military officials said Thursday.

An earthquake that registered a magnitude of 7.9 struck the South American nation Wednesday night, killing more than 350 people and injuring more than 1,500, officials said. Many of the coastal towns south of Lima, the capital city, were without power.

The Comfort is now anchored off Ecuador, but it could sail back to Peru and begin assisting with recovery efforts if Peruvian leaders formally asked for help, said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ray Sarracino, a spokesman for U.S. Southern Command, which is overseeing the Comfort’s humanitarian mission.

“We’re monitoring the situation and working with our planners in Peru. We’ll respond as quickly as possible, but we have had no request for assistance yet,” he said.

The Comfort wouldn’t need to make any stops for supplies or fuel to respond to the Peru quake if asked, Sarricino said, and if called the ship could “respond fairly quickly.”

The Comfort has already visited Peru as part of its four-month humanitarian cruise around South America; in fact, Peru was its last stop before Ecuador.

Videos You May Be Interested In

Leave a Comment





Contests and Promotions


promo Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!

Click Here To Enter.
promo Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!

Click Here To Enter.

Free Stickers


promo Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.

Marketplace

Mil-Mall


2011 Insider's Guide To Military Benefits
This handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.