Military Aids Tsunami Victims

050116 -N-4142G-116
Utapao Thailand (Jan. 16, 2005) — The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) steams underway delivering much need materials and supplies to the inhabitants of Meuloboh, Sumatra. USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and Expeditionary Group 5 are participating in Operation Unified Assistance a multinational relief effort to bring food water and medical care to victims of the tsunami disaster. More than 18,000 Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen with Combined Support Force 536 are working with international militaries and non-governmental organizations to aid the affected people of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake Dec. 26 triggered devastating tsunamis. International efforts to minimize suffering and mitigate loss of life resulting from the effects of the earthquake and tsunami continue as the Combined Support Force of host nations, civilian aid organizations and U.S. department of defense work hand in hand to provide humanitarian assistance in support Operation Unified Assistance. U. S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate First Class Felix Garza jr.