U.S. Deploys Warships and Aircraft for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
On June 24, 2026, twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck north-central Venezuela near Yumare, causing widespread devastation and killing over 900 people. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez formally requested U.S. aid. In response, the U.S. dispatched warships USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings, along with C-17, C-130 aircraft, helicopters, and specialized search-and-rescue teams. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate relief under U.S. Southern Command.
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Air Force contingency wing assists Venezuela in earthquake response, aid intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing has deployed 110 airmen to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Venezuela to assist with earthquake relief efforts following two devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The death toll has reached 3,811 with 16,740 injured, including nine American fatalities. The Contingency Response Element is working with Venezuelan authorities to expand humanitarian aid intake by managing airfield operations, air traffic control, and cargo handling. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the response, deploying C-17 and C-130 aircraft, along with the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings. The 621st CRW, known as the 'Devil Raiders,' has previously supported disaster relief in Haiti, Pakistan, and after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Military TimesAir Force contingency wing assists Venezuela in earthquake response, aid intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing has deployed to Venezuela to assist with earthquake relief efforts following two devastating earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that struck on June 24, 2026. The death toll has reached 3,811 with 16,740 injured, including nine Americans. A 110-member Contingency Response Element from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron is operating at Simón Bolívar International Airport, working with Venezuelan authorities and the U.S. interagency team to expand humanitarian aid intake. The team assessed airfield structural integrity and runway capacity before establishing airfield operations including air traffic control, airfield management, and cargo handling to clear logistical bottlenecks. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the response, with assets including C-17s, C-130s, USS Fort Lauderdale, and USS Billings deployed to the region.
Air Force TimesUS Air Force Contingency Wing Assists Venezuela Earthquake Response and Aid Intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing has deployed to Venezuela to assist authorities following two devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The death toll has reached 3,811, with 16,740 injured, including nine Americans. A 110-member Contingency Response Element from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron is operating at Simón Bolívar International Airport, working with local aviation authorities and the U.S. interagency team to expand humanitarian aid intake. The team first assessed the airfield's structural integrity and runway capacity, then established air traffic control, airfield management, and cargo handling operations to clear logistical bottlenecks. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the response effort, deploying C-17 and C-130 aircraft, along with the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings.
Air Force TimesU.S. Air Force Contingency Wing Assists Venezuela Earthquake Response and Aid Intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) has deployed 110 airmen to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Venezuela to assist authorities following two devastating earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that struck on June 24, 2026. The death toll has reached 3,811, with 16,740 injured, including nine American fatalities. The CRW's Contingency Response Element is working with local aviation authorities and the U.S. interagency team to expand humanitarian aid intake by managing air traffic control, airfield operations, and cargo handling. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the relief effort, deploying C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules aircraft, along with the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings. The wing previously supported disaster relief in Haiti (2010), Pakistan (2010), and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria (2017).
Military TimesU.S. Air Force Contingency Wing Assists Venezuela Earthquake Response and Aid Intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) has deployed to Venezuela to assist authorities following two devastating earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that struck on June 24, 2026. The death toll has reached 3,811, with 16,740 injured, including nine Americans. A 110-member Contingency Response Element from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron is operating at Simón Bolívar International Airport, conducting airfield assessments and managing air traffic control, cargo handling, and logistics to clear bottlenecks. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the relief effort, utilizing C-17s, C-130s, and naval vessels. The CRW, known as the 'Devil Raiders,' has previously supported disaster responses in Haiti, Pakistan, and the Caribbean.
Air Force TimesU.S. Air Force Contingency Wing Assists Venezuela Earthquake Response and Aid Intake
The U.S. Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing has deployed to Venezuela to assist authorities following two devastating earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that struck on June 24, 2026. The death toll has reached 3,811 with 16,740 injured, including nine Americans. A 110-member Contingency Response Element from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron is operating at Simón Bolívar International Airport, working with local aviation authorities and the Venezuelan interim authority to expand humanitarian aid intake. The team assessed airfield structural integrity and runway load-bearing capacity before establishing airfield operations, including air traffic control and cargo handling, to clear logistical bottlenecks. The U.S. has committed approximately $350 million to the response effort, which also includes C-17 and C-130 aircraft, the USS Fort Lauderdale, and USS Billings.
Military TimesUS Troops Staff Venezuelan Airport Tower After Earthquakes to Facilitate Aid
U.S. airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing and Marines from Littoral Combat Force-24 have been working in the air traffic control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Venezuela following two major earthquakes on June 24 that killed over 3,300 people. The U.S. military personnel are assisting Venezuelan controllers at the request of the Venezuelan government, according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The troops are helping to clear logistical bottlenecks and manage ground and tower operations to ensure safe landing of heavy cargo aircraft carrying relief supplies. Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are supporting the earthquake relief mission, with about 900 in the country. Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are also bringing supplies ashore via landing craft and conducting search and rescue operations. The U.S. forces are operating from bases in Puerto Rico and the USS Fort Lauderdale.
Task & PurposeUS troops working in Venezuelan airport tower as aid flows in
U.S. airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing and Marines from Littoral Combat Force-24 have been helping staff the air traffic control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Venezuela following two major earthquakes on June 24 that killed over 3,300 people. The U.S. military personnel are assisting Venezuelan authorities at the request of the Venezuelan government through the U.S. Department of State, according to SOUTHCOM spokesperson Hansel Pintos. About 2,000 U.S. troops are supporting the earthquake relief mission, with roughly 900 in the country. The Contingency Response Element assessed the airfield's structural integrity and runway load-bearing capacity before establishing operations. Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are also bringing supplies ashore via landing craft and conducting search and rescue operations. The airport, located near Caracas, serves as the primary lifeline for airlifted aid.
Task & PurposeUS Air Force Contingency Response Element Deploys to Venezuela for Earthquake Relief
Following two major earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5 magnitude) that struck Venezuela, killing over 1,400 people and leaving 50,000 missing, the US military surged aid and personnel. Approximately 100 airmen from the Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed to Simón Bolívar International Airport to restore and expand airfield operations. The team specializes in aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, cargo movement, and command and control. US Southern Command also deployed over 100 Marines to reopen the Port of La Guaira, along with two warships (USS Billings and USS Fort Lauderdale). Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard leads the US military response on the ground. The 621st CRW has previously conducted similar missions in Haiti (2010) and Afghanistan (2021).
Task & PurposeWhat an Air Force Contingency Response Element Does in Venezuela Earthquake Relief
Following two major earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) in Venezuela that killed over 1,400 people and left 50,000 missing, the U.S. military deployed roughly 100 airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing to restore airfield operations at Simón Bolivar International Airport. The specialized team, part of U.S. Southern Command's disaster response, focuses on aircraft maintenance, airfield management, cargo movement, and command and control to enable large-scale aid flow. Additional assets include C-17 transport aircraft, Army CH-47 Chinooks, Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, over 100 Marines for port reopening at La Guaira, and two warships (USS Billings and USS Fort Lauderdale). Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard leads the U.S. military response on the ground in Caracas.
Task & PurposeAir Force Contingency Response Element Deploys to Venezuela to Restart Airport Operations After Earthquakes
In the aftermath of two major earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that struck Venezuela, killing over 1,400 people and leaving 50,000 missing, the United States military has surged aid and personnel. A team of approximately 100 airmen from the Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas to restore and expand airfield operations. This unit specializes in aircraft maintenance, airfield management, cargo movement, and command and control during crises. Alongside them, Air Force C-17s delivered search and rescue teams, while Army CH-47 Chinooks and Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys transported supplies. Over 100 Marines also arrived to help reopen the Port of La Guaira, and two US warships, USS Billings and USS Fort Lauderdale, are supporting operations offshore. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard is leading the US military response on the ground.
Task & PurposeUS sends warships, planes and Marine general to Venezuela after earthquakes
The United States is deploying hundreds of military personnel, two warships (USS Billings and USS Fort Lauderdale), fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and search and rescue teams to Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes on June 24, 2026. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes killed at least 589 people. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard arrived in Caracas on Thursday to oversee the military response. Air Force C-17s and C-130s are airlifting aid and equipment, while Marine MV-22 Ospreys and Army CH-47 Chinooks from Joint Task Force-Bravo are providing mobility and supply services. The USS Fort Lauderdale is part of an immediate crisis response force in the Caribbean. The operation is led by U.S. Southern Command.
Task & PurposeU.S. Military Deploys C-17s and Naval Assets for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
The U.S. military, under U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is rapidly deploying C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets, naval vessels, and rotary-wing aircraft to Venezuela following devastating 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that killed more than 900 people in the northern part of the country. The first C-17 arrived in Venezuela carrying two specialized U.S. search and rescue teams of nearly 80 experts each, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers, and canine units. Other C-17s staged via Curaçao. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate the Pentagon's relief efforts. Assets include the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale, littoral combat ship USS Billings, C-130 Hercules transports, MV-22 Osprey, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The operation supports State Department-led humanitarian assistance amid widespread devastation in northern Venezuela.
TWZC-17 Cargo Jets Flow to Caribbean for Venezuela Earthquake Relief Effort
U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets have arrived in Venezuela carrying personnel and equipment for earthquake relief following 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that killed over 900 people in northern Venezuela. The flights are part of a growing U.S. military presence led by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in support of the State Department. At least four C-17s have left the U.S., with two landing in Venezuela and one in Curaçao, which serves as a staging area. Specialized U.S. search and rescue teams—nearly 80 experts per team, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers, and 12 trained canines—are deploying to the hardest-hit areas. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to oversee the effort. Assets include MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors, C-130 Hercules transports, CH-47 Chinook helicopters, Navy vessels USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings, and unspecified reconnaissance platforms. The operation is anchored by the two Navy vessels already in the Caribbean, with Fort Lauderdale having previously participated in the operation that captured former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
TWZC-17 Cargo Jets Flow to Caribbean for Venezuela Earthquake Relief Effort
The United States has launched a major military humanitarian relief operation in response to devastating 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela, killing more than 900 people. U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets have arrived in the country carrying specialized urban search and rescue teams, including nearly 80 experts per team—firefighters, doctors, structural engineers—and 12 canines trained for rubble detection. The operation, led by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) under the State Department's auspices, includes multiple aircraft such as C-130 Hercules transports, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors, CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and two Navy vessels—the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ship USS Billings—already stationed in the region. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to oversee Pentagon efforts. Curaçao is serving as a staging area for international aid.
TWZUS Sends Warships and Personnel to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes
The United States has dispatched two warships, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS-15), to Venezuela following twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24, 2026. The Venezuelan interim government formally requested U.S. support. The earthquakes struck near Yumare, leaving entire neighborhoods destroyed. As of June 26, the death toll reached 589 with thousands injured, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is providing search and rescue teams, specialized mobility services, and transport aircraft including C-17 and C-130 planes. Major General Kevin J. Jarrard has arrived in Caracas to coordinate relief efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the critical need for search and rescue within 48 hours. The warships are assigned to Operation Southern Spear, originally a counter-narcoterrorism mission, now redirected to humanitarian assistance.
Air Force TimesUS Sends Warships and Personnel to Venezuela for Earthquake Relief
Following twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday, the U.S. has dispatched two warships—USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and USS Billings (LCS-15)—along with C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft and rotary-wing assets to assist search and rescue operations. The Venezuelan interim government formally requested U.S. support. As of Friday, the death toll reached 589, with thousands injured, and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude for international rescue crews. Major General Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate SOUTHCOM's humanitarian response. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the critical 48-hour window for rescuing survivors trapped in rubble. The warships were previously assigned to Operation Southern Spear, a Pentagon counter-narcoterrorist campaign.
Army TimesUS sends warships and personnel to Venezuela for earthquake relief
The United States has dispatched two warships, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS-15), to Venezuela following devastating twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday. The quakes have caused widespread destruction, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. As of Friday morning, the death toll reached 589 with thousands injured, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The interim government formally requested U.S. support, leading to a surge of forces under U.S. Southern Command. In addition to the warships, C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft along with other aircraft are en route to assist search and rescue teams. Major General Kevin J. Jarrard has arrived in Caracas to coordinate relief efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the urgency of search and rescue efforts within 48 hours. The warships were previously assigned to Operation Southern Spear, a Pentagon counter-narcoterrorist campaign.
Military TimesUS sending military warships, personnel to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
In response to a formal request from Venezuela's interim government, the United States has dispatched two warships—USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and USS Billings (LCS-15)—and additional aircraft including C-17 and C-130 transport planes to assist with earthquake relief efforts. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck near Yumare on June 24, 2026, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. As of June 26, the death toll had risen to 589 with thousands injured. U.S. Southern Command's Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate the response, designated as Operation Southern Spear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the critical 48-hour window for search and rescue operations. The warships were originally assigned to counter-narcoterrorist operations but are now supporting humanitarian aid.
Air Force TimesUS Sends Warships and Personnel to Aid Venezuela Earthquake Relief
The United States has dispatched two warships, the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings, along with C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft, to Venezuela following devastating twin earthquakes on June 24, 2026. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck near Yumare, killing at least 589 people and injuring thousands more. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez formally requested U.S. support, and Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate relief efforts under Operation Southern Spear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the critical 48-hour window for search and rescue operations. The U.S. military is providing specialized mobility services, search and rescue teams, and life-saving assistance to the interim Venezuelan government.
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