US Air Force contingency response group reaches Nepal

A US Air Force contingency response group has reached the Nepalese capital Kathmandu to help the Nepal government in its recovery and rescue mission after a devastating earthquake hit the country recently.
"Yesterday, an Air Force contingency response group (CRG) arrived in Nepal to work with the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team and the Government of Nepal to improve efficiency at the international airport," State Department deputy acting spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters.
"The CRG will help streamline airfield operations and speed up cargo flow so that relief supplies can be delivered more quickly to places in need," he said.

Also yesterday, the US military deployed an additional helicopter to Nepal, bringing total US military air assets to four V-22 Ospreys and two UH-1 Huey helicopters in Nepal after the April 25 quake, he said.
The Joint Task Force is led by Marine Corps Lt Gen John Wissler, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force.
"We are here at the request of, and in support of, the government of Nepal as they deal with this terrible tragedy," Wissler said.

"We will continue to provide support as part of the overall US government and international response as long as our unique capabilities can support the government of Nepal and remain in partnership with the Nepalese army," he said.

The task force will work with senior representatives from State Department, USAID and other US agencies, a media release said.
Around 500 US military personnel are likely to be deployed in Nepal as part of the task force.