U.S. Africa Command is delivering critical aid via strategic airlift following the destruction of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.
The command is providing support at the request of the government of the Republic of Mozambique and in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which is the lead U.S. response agency.
The command has planned and executed 30 humanitarian relief flights with additional airlift missions ongoing. Over 120 tons of much-needed food has been delivered to Mozambique, along with other life-sustaining supplies. U.S. Africa Command is using a hub-and-spoke concept, where large military and commercial aircraft transport aid to the hub in Maputo, and then smaller military aircraft further transport aid to spokes where our partners can then deliver the supplies to those in need.
“U.S. Africa Command is supporting a partner in need, delivering critical equipment, supplies, and expertise,” said U.S. Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser, Commander, U.S. Africa Command. “Our efforts reflect the values of our nation. We are committed to our African partners while helping to ensure the security and stability of the region.”
U.S. Africa Command has been authorized by the Acting Secretary of Defense to spend up to $15 million in Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid funds to provide logistics support – including airlift of relief materials, responders, and third-party personnel supporting the overall U.S. government response.
In addition to loading, transporting, and delivering aid for distribution by the command’s interagency partners, U.S. Africa Command forces are actively working to open airfields and maximize available transportation routes. U.S. forces are also providing expert advice to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique to accelerate response efforts.
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) remains the lead for DoD disaster relief efforts. CJTF-HOA is working closely with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, USAID, and the National Geospatial Agency to ensure a comprehensive response to the humanitarian crisis. The DoD team, in support of its partners, is helping to save lives and alleviate suffering with assistance that meets the requirements identified by USAID and humanitarian organizations in the region.