US Air Force airlifters have been operating around the clock to deliver blankets, firewood, medical supplies, and food to areas of Afghanistan cut off by extreme cold and deep snow. Winter makes such mission more urgent; however, since such humanitarian missions began in October 2004, airmen have dropped more than 2.1 million pounds of aid. According to USAF journalist SSgt. Melissa Koskovich, the Southwest Asia air mobility division average about four aid drops per week to areas selected by the Afghan National Army.
As Hurricane Melissa hammers the Caribbean, the U.S. Air Force’s “Hurricane Hunters” are busy flying into the massive Category 4 storm to collect atmospheric data—with one experiencing greater than expected turbulence Oct. 28.
