The following is the October 12 update on Joint Task Force-Matthew support to relief efforts in Haiti:
•As of Oct. 12, Joint Task Force-Matthew helicopters have delivered more than 255,000 pounds of relief commodities (aid and supplies) to areas devastated by Hurricane Matthew.
•The task force helicopters continue to distribute the 480 metric tons of aid donated by USAID as part of the ongoing U.S. disaster assistance to Haiti.
•More than 400 task force personnel and 12 helicopters are on the ground in Haiti.
•The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is scheduled to arrive in Haitian waters today. Iwo Jima brings more than 500 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aircraft -- including four MV22 Ospreys -- and 225 pallets of supplies to support the relief effort. Mesa Verde will transfer aircraft, equipment and associated personnel assigned for relief efforts to Iwo Jima. Once Iwo Jima begins operations, Mesa Verde will depart to support other operational commitments. Iwo Jima is one of the largest amphibious ships in the world and brings greater capabilities to the task force.