The following is the October 13 update on Joint Task Force-Matthew support to relief efforts in Haiti:
•As of Oct. 13, Joint Task Force-Matthew helicopters have delivered more than 349,000 pounds (158 metric tons) 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 are on the ground in Haiti.
•20 aircraft (helicopters and MV22 Ospreys) are assigned to provide airlift support.
•The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived off Haiti yesterday and is scheduled to start operations today. USS Mesa Verde -- on station in Haiti since Sunday -- is transferring 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.