RSAF completes 9-day Hurricane Harvey relief operations in the US

SINGAPORE – The four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopters that took part in the Hurricane Harvey relief operations have completed their mission in the United States.

In a statement on Friday (Sept 8) the Ministry of Defence said the chinook helicopters and 34 personnel were deployed from their Peace Prairie detachment in Grand Prairie to help out in operations in Temple, Texas. The helicopters flew 30 sorties, conducting resupply, underslung and troop lift missions, said a Mindef spokesman.

They had worked closely with the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) over their nine-day deployment to transport personnel and essential supplies such as food, water and equipment. 

Thanking the RSAF for its contribution, Colonel Ronald Burkett of the TXARNG said: “On behalf of the Texas Army National Guard and thousands of Texans in our community, I thank you very much. Not just for your skilled aviation abilities, but also your willingness to deploy with us as quickly as you did”.

Writing on his Facebook page Friday, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said that he was glad the RSAF was able to work alongside the TXARNG to help those in need.

"I am sure that the many displaced persons in the wake of Hurricane Harvey appreciated the food, water and equipment to ease their hardship," said Dr Ng, who also thanked the RSAF servicemen for their humanitarian efforts. 

Speaking on the deployment, the RSAF's Peace Prairie Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Howe Siong Sen said: “The regular bilateral training between the Peace Prairie Detachment and the Texas Army National Guard allowed the RSAF to support seamlessly and contribute meaningfully towards the disaster relief efforts.”

The 34 RSAF personnel will be returning to their training detachment at Grand Prairie on Friday night.

Hurricane Harvey has killed 70 people so far in the US, and caused billions of dollars in damage.