The U.S. government is mobilizing thousands of military troops for relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.
In a statement issued by the White House Thursday morning, President Barack Obama said American contributions to relief efforts would be significant.
“I’ve directed my administration to launch a swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives and support the recovery in Haiti,” stated Obama, who added that “every element” of the national capacity will be required.
According to the U.S. government, there are 40,000 to 45,000 American citizens in Haiti.
The U.S. is sending the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and the Navy’s hospital ship, the Comfort, in addition to other support.
This will include 2,000 Marines and 900 troops from the Army. Air Force special forces are also helping with rescue efforts, reported the American Forces Press Service.
In a statement issued by the White House Thursday morning, President Barack Obama said American contributions to relief efforts would be significant.
“I’ve directed my administration to launch a swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives and support the recovery in Haiti,” stated Obama, who added that “every element” of the national capacity will be required.
According to the U.S. government, there are 40,000 to 45,000 American citizens in Haiti.
The U.S. is sending the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and the Navy’s hospital ship, the Comfort, in addition to other support.
This will include 2,000 Marines and 900 troops from the Army. Air Force special forces are also helping with rescue efforts, reported the American Forces Press Service.
President Obama has ordered his national security team to make assisting in relief efforts a top priority, adding that what’s needed now is “our diplomacy and development assistance; the power of our military; and, most importantly, the compassion of our country.”
What’s being classified as the “first wave of our rescue and relief workers” included a survey team that worked through Wednesday night to identify areas that need assistance the most. The U.S. military has also secured the airport and prepared it to “receive the heavy equipment and resources that are on the way.” They will be received around the clock, 24 hours a day according to Obama.
Injured Americans are also being airlifted out of Haiti and taken temporarily to Guantanamo, said State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley in a daily press briefing.
Crowley said the U.S. is still in the process of confirming casualties of U.S. citizens, adding “this is a tragedy of historic proportions for Haiti.”
The State Department has established a phone number and e-mail on its Web site for people to find out about family and friends in Haiti.
Obama said in a statement, “We will not rest until we account for our fellow Americans in harm’s way.”
During the daily White House press briefing on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the disaster is “in basically our own neighborhood.”
He added that the Haitian government is still in control of Haiti, but have asked for “extraordinary” assistance.
During a meeting with the Department of Labor on Thursday, first lady Michelle Obama said she would be taping a public service announcement for the Red Cross.
Due to the limited window of time for rescue efforts in such a disaster, immediate action is being emphasized by the administration. However, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs emphasized that it is “likely to be a very long mission for the international community in dealing with the devastation that we’ve seen.”
“More American search and rescue teams are coming,” Obama added.
The U.S. has also pledged $100 million for relief efforts to Haiti, calling it an “investment” that will increase in the coming year.
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