A Pakistani Air Force C-130 came to the krecent Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Britain adorned with images from the earthquake relief effort from October 2005. The crew specifically thanked Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne for his service for their part in the humanitarian response. “The US support was so timely–it helped save lives,” said Wing Commander Haseeb Gul, after he and his crew met with Wynne. Air Mobility Command airlifters flew numerous sorties to supply refugees with essentials.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.