HARRISBURG, Pa., - In what he described as an "unprecedented humanitarian mission," Gov. Edward G. Rendell said that the Pennsylvania Air National Guard has been called upon to support the Air Force Special Operations Command mission in Haiti.
About 50 Airmen and three C-130 aircraft from the 193rd Special Operations Wing have been deployed to provide rapid response capabilities to the small Caribbean nation from the island of Hispaniola.
"When disaster strikes, Pennsylvanians - like all Americans - open their hearts and freely give of themselves and, I'm proud to say, this instance is no different," said Rendell. "There are hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti facing such dire need that we can hardly grasp or fathom the scope of it, yet our residents are stepping up to help."
Two of the aircraft are cargo aircraft. The third, named Commando Solo, is an airborne radio and television station that will provide important information to the Haitian people.
"Our National Guard is honored to extend a helping hand to the people of Haiti. I am proud of these dedicated Airmen, who are always ready to answer the call of duty, whether it is for combat missions or to aid those in need," said Army Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, the adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
One of the aircraft departed late on Jan. 14, the other two aircraft left Middletown, Pa., today.
The 193rd was called to serve in Haiti more than a decade ago. In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and television messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. This is, however, the first humanitarian mission of its type for the wing.
The duration of the mission is undetermined at this time.