Aircraft carrier George HW Bush heading for Turkey

At the daily press conference, on behalf of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Pentagon, Ryder, who conveyed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the 7.7 and 7.6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, said that Austin had talked to the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar by phone and continued to provide support according to Turkey’s needs. He said that he promised they would.

Ryder stated that following Turkey’s request for international assistance, US forces stationed at the Incirlik airbase began moving first aid kits to the earthquake zones on February 7.

Ryder said the Pentagon also brought the search and rescue team sent by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to Turkey with a C-17 aircraft.

“The US European Command (EUCOM) has sent a team to support the USAID disaster relief team. We hope you will be there on February 9th. EUCOM is also actively working to deploy additional elements for any new requests and relief efforts by the Turkish government. Once again, we offer our condolences and support our ally in healing the wounds of this terrible disaster and saving people.”

Noting that EUCOM is actively working on medical aid and water supplies, Ryder said: “The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush in the Mediterranean is moving towards Turkey for possible requests for additional support. We are prepared to respond to requests for assistance as quickly as possible.” he said. (AA)