The US is sending a warship and helicopters to help New Zealand, which is recovering from a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that hit the island on Monday. At least two people were killed in the shake and a series of aftershocks throughout the country, according to BBC News. Adm. Harry Harris, commander of US Pacific Command, said the USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and its two MH-60 Seahawks will join a P-3 Orion already in New Zealand in disaster relief efforts. Landslides, heavy rain, and flooding has hampered responses throughout the country and in the capital of Wellington.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.