#TrackingMatthew: US helicopters sent to Haiti after hurricane
MIAMI, United States (AP) — The commander of United States forces in the Caribbean says nine US military helicopters are being sent to Haiti in response to the government’s request for help with damage from Hurricane Matthew.
Adm Kurt Tidd told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that the helicopters are to arrive in Haiti on Thursday, weather permitting, by way of the Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Some are equipped for search-and-rescue or medical evacuation missions, and others to transport supplies.
Tidd said his command is sending a one-star Navy admiral to Port-au-Prince to lead a “joint task force” that will help Haiti coordinate humanitarian assistance and other storm-related relief.
He says between 150 and 200 U.S. military personnel are likely to go to Haiti, including about 100 associated with the helicopter deployments.
