Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye. (March 13, 2023): As the tragic number of earthquake victims continues to rise, America’s military is doing its part to provide comfort and relief to the thousands of Turkish civilians who need it.  In the above photo by Specialist William Thompson, an Army CH-47F Chinook helicopter assigned to 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade of the 1st Armored Division takes on relief supplies for delivery on behalf of the American people.

As of  March 13th , more than 55,700 deaths were confirmed in Turkey and Syria and an estimated 1.5 million are homeless. According to the Turkish government, more than 160,000 buildings containing 520,000 apartments collapsed or were severely damaged during the quake forcing survivors to bed down in tents, factories, train cars, and even greenhouses. As these victims struggle against cold and hunger, American choppers are bringing tons of essential supplies to hard hit areas that are impossible to reach by road. The 3rd Battalion’s two Chinooks delivered 40,000 pounds of humanitarian aid from Incirlik Air Base to Elbistan and Pazarcik including tents, hygiene products, and diapers. The 3rd Battalion flew 10 air missions totaling more than 60 flight hours to support the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, and Turkish relief efforts.

Fortunately for earthquake victims, America flies the ideal aircraft for such relief missions, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Named for the Native American Chinook people, this tandem rotor helicopter is among the heaviest lifting choppers in the world.  The Chinook has multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp, and three external cargo hooks to carry underslung loads. These features are of significant value in relief operations in natural disasters.

Ever versatile, the Chinook carries out various secondary missions including medical evacuations, disaster relief, search and rescues, aircraft recovery, firefighting, and heavy construction assistance.