The US government begins sending earthquake aid to Turkey

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US military leaders are directing aid from the US European Command to Turkey and Syria after Monday’s devastating earthquake that killed more than 4,000 people.

Defense Department spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jaron J. Statement to Military Times on behalf of USEUCOM.

“At this time, USEUCOM is coordinating with the State Department and the US Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance Development, as well as other US interagency partners, to determine what capacities are required and available to support requests from the Government of Turkey.”

The United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, working with the US Air Force, handled the first round of aid from Dover, Delaware, on Tuesday.

“Pilots from the 436th Air Port Squadron processed U.S. humanitarian assistance on February 7, 2023, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, in support of search and rescue efforts in Turkey,” according to a post on U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air. Force Africa Facebook page.

The US military operates from Incirlik Air Base outside Adana, Turkey. The facility was not damaged by the earthquake and no soldiers were injured.

“All US government personnel assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing are accounted for and we have no suspected or confirmed US casualties at this time.” According to a post on the base’s Facebook page. “In addition, no US facilities at the base sustained significant damage.”

Garn echoed President Joe Biden’s sentiments, writing that “the United States is determined to do everything we can to help those affected by these earthquakes in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”

The Associated Press reports that more than 7,800 people have so far been rescued from the rubble in Turkey. The number of dead, victims rescued, and refugees displaced by the earthquake is expected to rise sharply.

“The US European leadership extends its deepest condolences and we express our deep sorrow for the tragic loss of life as a result of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria,” Garn added.

Jonathan Learfield contributed to this story.

Sarah Sicard is a senior editor at the Military Times. Previously, she was the military times digital editor and army times editor. Other work can be found in National Defense Journal, Mission and Purpose, and Defense News.

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