MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing launched two C-130 H3 "Hercules" cargo airplanes, crews and support staff from the Minneapolis, St. Paul International Airport on Jan. 15.
Originally, the 53 Airmen were headed to Puerto in order to support of Operation Coronet Oak, providing United States Southern Command with logistic and contingency support throughout Central and South America.
Upon arrival to Puerto Rico, 133rd aircrews were immediately placed on alert for Haitian earthquake relief operations and now are flying ongoing missions in support of the massive disaster response.
The C-130 crews have flown missions into Port au Prince, Haiti and San Isidro, Dominican Republic, hauling much needed water, personnel, equipment and other critical supplies totaling nearly 16 tons. One of the first missions delivered a generator that will be used to power a hospital in the devastated country.
"During this deployment, we are ready to exercise any of the primary disciplines the C-130 and crews can provide to assist with humanitarian relief for Haiti," said Col. Haase.
In 2009, the Minneapolis-based 133rd Airlift Wing deployed more than 700 Airmen to 16 countries in support of U.S. contingency operations worldwide.