US Sends Helicopters to Assist Disaster Relief in Jamaica

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the United States has deployed military helicopters to aid Jamaica's disaster relief operations.

 

On October 31, 2025, three CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, arrived in Kingston.

 

These aircraft are part of an initial deployment by Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance.

 

Minister of Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, welcomed the helicopters at the Caribbean Military Academy School of Aviation.

 

He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and embassy for their swift support.

 

Minister Vaz stated, "We are hoping that by tomorrow the balance will be here, if not, the latest this weekend, and of course, these three will be put to work tomorrow morning in conjunction with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)."

 

The helicopters are tasked with distributing relief supplies to communities severely affected by the hurricane, particularly in Western Jamaica.

 

Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Scott Renner, highlighted the helicopters' capability to reach areas in dire need.

 

He noted, "They’ll be used to help the shipments that come in to be moved around the country to the areas in need because these big helicopters can go where they need to go."

 

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 50 people dead across the Caribbean.

 

The storm's aftermath has left many communities isolated due to damaged infrastructure, making aerial support crucial for delivering aid.

 

In addition to the helicopters, the U.S. has announced $24 million in emergency assistance for Caribbean countries impacted by the hurricane, with $12 million allocated to Jamaica.

 

U.S. teams have been dispatched to assess damage and coordinate humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two nations in times of crisis.

 

Minister Vaz reassured Jamaicans that the government is working diligently to provide assistance to those in need.

 

He acknowledged the frustration and anxiety caused by the disaster and affirmed the commitment to respond as quickly as possible.

 

The arrival of U.S. helicopters marks a significant step in the ongoing relief efforts, bringing hope and much-needed resources to the resilient people of Jamaica.