Aid missions boost US troops' image, readiness
Source: AP-Excite
By ERIC TALMADGE
ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (AP) - As soon as Navy pilot Matthew Stafford puts his helicopter down in the village of Borongan, he is rushed by dozens of local men who form a line to unload the supplies and water he has flown in from the mothership, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. Children swarm him as he breaks out a box of sweets.
On the Philippine islands of Leyte and Samar that were shattered by Typhoon Haiyan, there is no doubt about it: the U.S. military has been a godsend. "It is awesome to see this," says one grateful villager. "They are saving us."
But while U.S. military support can be critical when disasters like Haiyan strike, staging massive humanitarian relief missions for allies in need isn't just about being a good neighbor. They can be a strategic and publicity goldmine for U.S. troops whose presence in Asia isn't always portrayed in such a favorable light - and a powerful warning to countries that aren't on board.
"These disasters are not unique only to the Philippines. It will send a signal to all of Southeast Asia, to Asia, that the U.S. is serious about its presence here," said Philippine political analyst Ramon Casiple. "It's easy to translate this capability for disaster handling into handling warfare. This is the new orientation of the task forces."
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In this photo taken Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, the shadow of a U.S. military helicopter on a disaster relief mission is cast passing over a sign pleading for help near Tacloban, Philippines. The U.S. military has launched a massive relief effort for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in an effort to both save lives and build relations with its allies around the region by showing that it has the military strength to provide support in times of need. (AP Photo/Eric Talmadge)
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What, you think we were just giving away billions for the hell of it?!? HAHAHAHAHA!