The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Nine Bangladeshi military officers have helped conduct relief operations ashore in aid of the cyclone-stricken people while serving aboard US naval ship Kearsarge anchored off the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladeshi officers embarked the ship to serve as liaisons between Kearsarge, relief groups and relief-distribution centres, an American Centre release in Dhaka said Tuesday.

"The Bangladesh liaison officers have been instrumental in carrying out the relief effort over the past eight days," said Marine Capt. David Pope, a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter pilot from the embarked Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 261. "They helped out tremendously by coordinating with Bangladeshi military forces on the ground to ensure the landing zones were clear."

The Kearsarge is currently operating in the Bay of Bengal as a sea-based logistical platform, delivering water and needed disaster relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas of Cyclone Sidr as determined by the government of Bangladesh.

"Having the U.S. Navy and Marines here (in Bangladesh) helps us feel very safe," Cmdr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi of the Bangladeshi Navy was quoted as saying. "It (Kearsarge) has made relief efforts much easier because the ship has transported supplies to areas much more quickly." To date, Kearsarge and the 22nd MEU have delivered 12, 434 gallons of water and 162,052 lbs. of food, blankets, clothing and other emergency supplies.

"Being aboard Kearsarge helps strengthen our diplomatic relationship with the United States," said Rabbi.

Bangladeshi Army officers aboard the American warship included Maj. Asif Iqbal, Maj. Rezwan, Maj. Khaondaker Lokman Hakim, Maj. Mohammad Abdul Wajed, Maj. Mohammad Faisal Hasan Khan, and Capt. Sharif Ahammad Rayhanul Karim. Additionally, Navy Cmdr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi, Air Force Squadron Leader Salauddin Md Alim Al Rabbi and Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. M Masud Alam are serving on board the ship. Kearsarge, the flagship of the Kearsarge Strike Group, and the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting disaster-relief efforts in response to Bangladesh government's request for assistance after tropical Cyclone Sidr struck the southern coast Nov. 15.

The storm has killed over 3,000 people and left several hundred thousand homeless. The Department of Defense effort is part of a larger United States response coordinated by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development.