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.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.