US deploys C-130J aircraft and airmen to support Sri Lanka’s cyclone relief efforts

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By Editor_1
Two US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft that arrived at the Katunayake Air Base, on Sunday (December 7, 2025) – US Embassy/Colombo

COLOMBO — Two US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and a contingent of Airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arrived at the Katunayake Air Base on Sunday (7) to bolster Sri Lanka’s ongoing response to Cyclone Ditwah. The team was received by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K.P. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), as both countries moved quickly to initiate joint relief missions.

The deployment provides critical American airlift and logistics capacity to assist the Sri Lankan government’s nationwide relief operations.

A statement from the US embassy in Sri Lanka said the Airmen will work alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to transport essential supplies, including temporary shelter materials, drinking water, sanitation support, and food, into hard-to-reach areas identified by local authorities.

The 36th CRG, operating from Guam, is supported by the US Air Force’s 374th Airlift Wing based in Yokota, Japan, and the US Marine Corps’ III Marine Expeditionary Force from Okinawa.

“Sri Lanka’s responders are doing heroic work,” Ambassador Chung said, adding, “The United States is here to take on some of the heavy lifting, bringing American airlift and logistics muscle to push critical supplies into the hardest-hit areas so Sri Lanka’s frontline teams can stay focused on people, not transportation. The United States stands steadfast with Sri Lanka in this challenging time.”

US Embassy Senior Defence Official and Defence Attaché Matthew House emphasized the urgency of rapid support stating, “When roads are strained and time is short, logistics becomes the lifeline. The C-130J Super Hercules is a workhorse airlifter, built to move essential cargo rapidly and reliably when access is limited.”

He also noted that the regular joint training with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces has strengthened the ability to respond together in crises like Cyclone Ditwah.

The deployment follows a formal request from the Government of Sri Lanka. US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) mobilized the aircraft and personnel to support Sri Lanka-led airlift missions as authorities continue to assess the scale of the destruction and relief needs.

In addition to emergency transport support, the United States recently provided the SLAF with a package of vital airlift and logistics equipment worth approximately US$ 2.1 million (around LKR 640 million). The package, already in use for Cyclone Ditwah operations, includes fuel trucks, forklifts, floodlights, ground power units, and portable cargo-loading platforms, strengthening SLAF’s ability to rapidly receive, load, and distribute relief supplies around the clock.

Within 72 hours of the cyclone’s landfall, the United States also announced US$ 2 million in humanitarian assistance. Channelled through trusted partners, the funds will provide emergency shelter, water and sanitation support, and essential health services for affected communities.

The US Embassy said it remains in close coordination with the Sri Lankan government as recovery and reconstruction efforts continue.

Also present at the arrival ceremony were Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and DMC Director General Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda.

The contingent of Airmen from the US Air Force 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arriving at the Katunayake Air Base, on Sunday (December 7, 2025) – US Embassy/Colombo

-ENCL

Editor_1
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