139th Airlift Wing deploys in support of Chilean earthquake relief efforts

By: 139th Airlft Wing
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs

IMAGE+LINK > A 139th Airlift Wing C-130 is unloaded in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, on 10 February. The aircraft and its crew flew medical supplies, Soldiers and Humvees to Haiti after earthquakes devastated the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Shannon Bond)
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing is sending two air crews and maintenance support personnel to Santiago, Chile, in support of earthquake relief efforts there, Gov. Jay Nixon announced today.

"The men and women of the Missouri Air Guard are uniquely qualified to provide emergency response, relief and recovery services, both at home and abroad," Gov. Nixon said. "I am especially proud of the skill and professionalism of our Air Guard units, and I know they will provide invaluable service to the people of Chile during this time of need."

"Your Missouri National Guard is always ready and always there, locally and globally," said Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.

The Airmen are currently supporting Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operations in Puerto Rico and are being routed to Chile for this new mission.

"The 139th Airlift Wing is again at the tip of the spear in supporting humanitarian relief efforts," said Col. Michael McEnulty, 139th Airlift Wing commander. "We are always leaning forward to come to the aid of those who have been affected by disasters whether at home or abroad."

The Missouri National Guard supported earthquake relief efforts earlier this year by flying personnel and supplies to Port au Prince, Haiti.