In light of tropical storm Harvey — which has ravaged Texas and Louisiana in the United States and displaced tens of thousands from their homes with record rains and floodwaters — four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Peace Prairie detachment in Grand Prairie, Texas, have arrived on site to help with disaster relief operations.
In a press release, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) stated that the helicopters landed in Temple, Texas at 6:50am (Singapore time) on Thursday (Aug 31) to assist with the Texas Army National Guard’s relief efforts.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that this was a small gesture to express Singapore’s appreciation and gratitude to the US. According to MINDEF, US President Donald Trump thanked PM Lee (hopefully through other avenues than Twitter) and accepted his offer of help.
A total of 34 RSAF personnel from the Peace Prairie detachment — which also offered similar assistance after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — including pilots, aircrew and engineers, have been deployed for the mission. The helicopters will assist with airlifting troops and evacuees, as well as transport supplies and equipment.
