ABOARD THE USS KEARSARGE (AFP) — Opposition to the US-led war in Iraq may be strong in mainly Muslim Bangladesh, but US military personnel ferrying aid to cyclone survivors have shrugged off any political concerns.
"It does not matter what your particular religion is. Suffering is universal. We travelled 4,500 kilometres (3,000 miles) to get here as fast as we could," navy Lieutenant Jim Hoeft said aboard the USS Kearsarge.
The amphibious assault ship, which has 20 helicopters on board, is anchored in the Bay of Bengal off Bangladesh's southern coast, which was ravaged by the November 15 storm that killed at least 3,200 people.
Hoeft said the crew were pleased to be able to help ferry food, clean drinking water and medical supplies to the hundreds of thousands in need.
"This is a different operation. We are happy to give a glass of water to a child. It gives satisfaction to give a blanket to a distressed family. Everyone is very happy to do this, and we've seen nothing but gratitude," he said.
The Bangladeshi government, concerned that the presence of US marines and Pakistani medics would upset survivors, said Monday that the US military would not stay a day longer than required.
But the personnel aboard the Kearsarge dismissed suggestions that their presence was in any way resented by cyclone survivors.
"The US military is here for the emergency relief operation. The US military is not here for the long term," Rear Admiral Carol Pottenger told journalists aboard the ship, stressing that they had been invited by Dhaka to help.
"We are here to mitigate suffering ... we will distribute disaster relief such as water, blankets, foods and medicines as long as the government wants. We will never go where we are not invited."
An estimated 360,000 people have been left destitute and in desperate need of aid.
A water purification plant aboard the Kearsarge is being used to produce thousands of litres of drinking water that are then airlifted to survivors.
On Tuesday, US personnel also started ferrying Bangladeshi government food and medical supplies from inland airports to affected areas via helicopter.
Four marine medical teams have also been deployed.
"You can see how extensive the damage is from the sky," said pilot Captain Nathan Densford after he landed his helicopter following a sortie to cyclone-hit districts.
"The situation out there is very bad. Trees knocked over ... people without food, warm clothes or shelter," he said, adding that helicopters were essential to reach many areas where roads had been washed away.
On Thursday, hundreds of cyclone survivors in southern Barguna district demonstrated for a second straight day to demand more aid.
The protesters said supplies were not getting to them quickly enough, but the marines said none of their frustration had been taken out on US forces.
"We've been treated with a great deal of respect. They are appreciative of our support," said marine Captain Clark Carpenter.
"This mission gives us an opportunity to show our compassion," said Sergeant Joseph Nicholson.
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