U.S. Air Force Boosts Relief at Venezuela's Maiquetía Airport

A 110‑person Contingency Response Element from the U.S. Air Force’s 321st Squadron deployed to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía to streamline humanitarian aid after the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela. The team evaluated runway integrity, expanded cargo handling capacity and assisted local air‑traffic control to speed the arrival of essential supplies, heavy equipment and rescue personnel. Colonel Joseph Michaels praised the aviators’ rapid adaptation, while Lt. Col. Jessica Foster highlighted the unit’s compassion and cooperation with Venezuelan authorities.

The operation, coordinated by U.S. Southern Command, aims to ensure that aid reaches the hardest‑hit communities as quickly and safely as possible.