U.S. service members are on the ground in Venezuela, delivering assistance where it is needed most following two devastating earthquakes June 24.
The amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale remains berthed at La Guaira Port, serving as a critical communications and distribution hub and a vital medical support platform. U.S. forces have delivered water, food and other humanitarian relief supplies to locations including Simón Bolívar International Airport, where they are also conducting airfield management, air traffic coordination, communications and security missions.
Air Force cargo planes transported U.S. urban search and rescue teams to assist with the U.S. government's earthquake relief response, which is being led by the State Department. Planning of additional U.S. military support is ongoing in close coordination with the State Department, the Venezuelan government, and other partners and allies contributing to the international relief effort.
U.S. military operations, directed by U.S. Southern Command, are self-sustaining, with personnel on the ground requiring no local resources as they work tirelessly to deliver critical relief to the people of Venezuela.