USAF airlifters, part of a joint task force, begin delivering relief supplies and equipment, including helicopters, to South Asia region nations hard hit by a devastating Dec. 26 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. C-5s and C-17s deliver cargo to airports, from which C-130s and helicopters provide tactical transport.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
