Task Force Continues Humanitarian Aid, Missing Helo Search in Nepal

From a Joint Task Force 505 News Release

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 14, 2015 – Joint Task Force 505 is continuing efforts to find a missing U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Huey helicopter, as well as to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief for the country of Nepal.

So far, two UH-1Y Hueys, two MV-22 Ospreys, one Indian Mi-17 and three Nepalese helicopters have searched for the Huey that went missing May 12 near Charikot, Nepal, while conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Augmenting the aerial search are Nepalese troops -- a special forces platoon and a battalion-sized element.

U.S. Marine Huey and Osprey aircraft delivered 174,706 pounds of emergency relief supplies since Operation Sahayogi Haat began. The supplies included plastic sheeting, shelter kits, blankets, food, water and medical materials. In addition to delivering aid, task force-assigned aircraft have conducted 459 personnel transports and 52 casualty evacuations.

JTF 505 will replace the two Hueys operating in Nepal to allow for routine maintenance. One Huey assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 is scheduled to arrive in Nepal Friday, May 15. Also, one Huey assigned to HMLA-269 will arrive in Nepal Saturday, May 16. Both aircraft will be transported using U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. All aircraft are operating in support of relief efforts.