RELEASE: Update on SOUTHCOM support to Venezuela earthquake relief, June 30

At the direction of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the U.S. military continues supporting the State Department-led U.S. government earthquake relief response in Venezuela.

• A Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC), directed by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard, has been established at Simón Bolívar International Airport. The HACC will coordinate and direct U.S. military support to Venezuelan relief efforts alongside the Department of State, communicating with the Government of Venezuela, Allies, partners, and all agencies on the ground.

• Logistics Surge: A U.S. Marine Combat Logistics Company has arrived in-country, bringing medium-sized military transport trucks, highly mobile off-road vehicles, and military ambulance capabilities. Their mission is to build capacity and further accelerate the movement of critical supplies and equipment.

• Maritime Support: USS Fort Lauderdale is berthed portside at the Port of La Guaira, providing vital support to relief operations. The ship offers additional medical capabilities and serves as a robust communications and distribution node to bolster the humanitarian assistance network, ensuring aid reaches the hardest-hit areas.

• Airlift Lifeline: A Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) has been established at Simón Bolívar International Airport. This FARP enables rapid turnaround times for nearly a dozen rotary-wing aircraft executing personnel airlifts, emergency medical evacuations, and heavy-lift sling-load missions.

• Expanded Reach: USS Billings is also supporting relief efforts by providing additional rotary-wing capabilities, helping transport critical aid and supplies to otherwise inaccessible regions.

Updated information about the Department of War's support to the U.S. government's earthquake relief mission in Venezuela and life-saving assistance to the Venezuelan people will be posted on SOUTHCOM's official social media accounts.

Planning of additional U.S. military support is ongoing in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, the Venezuelan government, and other partners and Allies contributing to the ongoing international relief effort and will be announced once confirmed.

POINT OF CONTACT Email: [email protected]