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Press Release | July 2, 2026

RELEASE: Update on SOUTHCOM support to Venezuela earthquake relief, July 2

At the direction of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), nearly 2,000 U.S. military troops continue supporting the State Department-led U.S. government earthquake relief response in Venezuela near the epicenter of the June 24 devastating earthquakes and at logistics hubs in Puerto Rico and Curaçao.

  • The Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) is overseeing the U.S. military disaster relief mission and working with local authorities, the State Department, Allies, partners and other agencies on the ground to support the rapid delivery of assistance to disaster victims.

  • U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft continue transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment needed for ongoing assistance efforts, including the delivery of a high-capacity loader at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía to quickly offload disaster relief cargo from aircraft and enable its rapid transport to communities and populations in need.

  • U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army vertical-lift and rotary-wing aircraft are supporting the operation with airlift and transport flights.

  • The Contingency Response Element (CRE) remains fully operational at Simón Bolívar International Airport where it continues to support airfield improvements and the safe resumption of air traffic.

  • Sailors and Marines, equipped with all-terrain trucks and vehicles, are supporting State Department and international partners assisting Venezuelans in need.

  • The USS Fort Lauderdale continues to be berthed at La Guaira Port, serving as a critical communications and distribution node. Nearby, the USS Billings’ helo deck is enabling rotary-wing air capabilities to quickly transport aid and supplies to otherwise inaccessible areas.

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.

The U.S. military is closely coordinating with the U.S. State Department, Venezuelan disaster response personnel, and other partners and Allies contributing to the ongoing international relief effort.

POINT OF CONTACT
Email: southcom.miami.sc-cc.list.cmd-public-affairs@mail.mil 

VenEarthquake