At Pakistan's request and with mission complete for these aircraft, the US military flew its last C-17 and C-130 flood relief flights on October 3. From the start, these aircraft made significant contributions to Pakistan's flood relief efforts.
In addition to the delivery of more than 436,000 halal meals during the early days of the disaster, these aircraft and their aircrews worked in close partnership with Pakistan's military and NDMA to transport more than 5.5 million pounds (nearly 2.5 million kilograms) of much-needed relief supplies to flood victims across Pakistan. The aircraft also were instrumental in the evacuation of thousands of people from flood-affected areas.
"I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to you, to the government and people of the US for this outstanding contribution in the relief effort," said Lieutenant General Nadeem during the ceremony. Although the cargo aircraft flights have ended, the US remains committed to support Pakistan's flood relief efforts. USAID and other US civilian agencies continue to provide humanitarian assistance and recovery assistance throughout Pakistan in support of flood victims.
In addition, US military helicopter relief flights continue to operate from Ghazi Aviation Base near Tarbela and Pano Aqil Air Base near Sukkur, as the US Air Force's contingency response element at Chaklala Air Base continues to support the nation-wide distribution of international aid to flood-affected Pakistanis.
To date, US military personnel and aircraft, working in partnership with the Pakistan military, have delivered more than 14.8 million pounds (6.7. million kilograms) of relief supplies and evacuated more than 21,000 people throughout flood-affected areas.-PR