press releases 2008

USG Responds to Emergency Request from Panamanian government

November 25, 2008

US Navy helicopter used in emergency relief activities

In response to request from the Panamanian government for assistance in disaster relief to the remote areas in the Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro and Colon provinces affected by rain and floods, this morning U.S. Southern Command made available a U.S. Navy SeaHawk (SH-60B) helicopter from the U.S.S. Frigate Samuel B. Roberts to view and evaluate the most inaccessible areas. 

The USS Samuel B. Roberts is in Panama on shore leave, but the Commanding Officer quickly made the helicopter available to assist in disaster response efforts. 

The United States has also provided two Blackhawk helicopters from JTF Bravo in Soto Cano, Honduras, to conduct search and rescue assistance to the most affected areas of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro and Colon provinces. 

As stated by Ambassador Stephenson: "The US Embassy is closely coordinating with Panama's SINAPROC in other areas of assistance.  United States stands with the people of Panama to help those in need."

For more information on assistance efforts, please contact SINAPROC directly.  We will provide more details on USG assistance as they become available.

The assistance is part of the close alliance of USSOUTHCOM, USAID, and OFDA with SINAPROC.  Estamos Unidos!

Ambassador Stephenson greeting the crew		Ambassador Stephenson and the crew		During the press conference at SINAPROC headquarters