621st Contingency Response Wing mobilizes to speed earthquake relief in Venezuela

U.S. military forces have mobilized to support a Department of State-led disaster assistance mission delivering relief to Venezuela after a series of earthquakes struck the country on June 24.

At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, the 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed a 110-Airman Contingency Response Element from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron to Simón Bolívar International Airport. The team is working with local aviation authorities, the Venezuelan interim authority, and the U.S. interagency response team to expand the intake of humanitarian aid by air.

An initial Contingency Response Airfield Assessment Team evaluated the airport’s structural integrity and runway load-bearing capacity to ensure heavy cargo aircraft could land safely. After those checks, additional elements arrived to establish airfield operations in support of the host nation’s air traffic control, airfield management, and cargo handling. By stepping in to help manage tower and ground operations, the airmen are clearing logistical bottlenecks and enabling vital supplies, heavy equipment, and relief personnel to move quickly and safely into the disaster zone.

“The ability of our Contingency Response Airmen to quickly adapt to their environment and inject the order needed to move aid is nothing short of amazing, which the entire joint force and interagency immediately recognized.” said Col. Joseph Michaels, 621st Contingency Response Group commander.

“I am immensely proud of our Griffins and their selfless service in supporting the Venezuelan people,” said Lt. Col. Jessica Foster, 321st Contingency Response Squadron commander. “During any crisis, international cooperation is essential, but it is the incredible tenacity and profound care for humanity our Airmen have showcased that is truly awe-inspiring. It is a privilege to lead such an impressive and inspiring team.”

Rapid mobility operations following natural disasters are a core mission for the 621st Contingency Response Wing, known as the “Devil Raiders.” The wing has previously provided airfield operations expertise after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, managed logistical flows during the 2010 floods in Pakistan, and supported relief efforts amid the 2017 devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria across the Southern United States and the Caribbean.