At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. military is working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief support to communities affected by Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-Wong (Uwan), which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life.
The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to allies and partners during times of need.
The 33rd RQS provided standby emergency medical evacuation (medevac) support for U.S. servicemembers delivering aid across the country.
U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Micaiah Anthony.
Story by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony, 18th Wing
PHILIPPINE SEA. — Three USAF 18th Wing HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters flew through strong winds and torrential rain to provide emergency support following the disaster in the Philippines. November 12, 2025.
At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. military worked alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief support to communities affected by consecutive Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-Wong (Uwan), which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life.
The U.S. military’s forward presence and readiness within U.S. Indo-Pacific Command enable rapid, effective responses to crises—demonstrating America’s enduring commitment to allies and partners during times of need.
Airmen assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, 31st Rescue Squadron and other 18th Wing units joined service members from across the Pacific to help with relief efforts.
“I have been thoroughly impressed by the preparedness and forward-leaning measures taken by the Philippine government during this situation, and we will support the lead of our Philippine counterparts as we carry out this relief mission together as a fully aligned team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. “Support to our friends, allies, and partners, and their people in a time of need, is non-negotiable. Together, we are overcoming distance, weather, and logistical challenges to save lives.”
Braving heavy storms generated by the typhoon, the 33rd RQS aircrew navigated three HH-60W Jolly Green IIs from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Clark Air Base, Philippines, where they linked up with prepositioned forces.
“We came down to support urgent life-saving care but that was transitioned to us providing alert response for U.S. personnel and assets providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Miguel Velez, 33rd RQS chief of plans and expos.
While primary operations focused on food delivery, the rescue units backed by the support of the 33rd RQS and 18th WG, remained ready to perform medical evacuation missions, at a moment’s notice.
“It was a successful operation between us, the U.S. Marine Corps, our U.S. Navy partners and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Velez. “We were able to deliver 10,000 family food packs within two days to Virac Airport (in Catanduanes, Philippines.)»
As the final HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters lifted from the flight line to return home, their engines roared across the horizon, signaling not just the completion of a mission, but the strength of an enduring alliance.
Through shared hardship and steadfast partnership, the United States and the Philippines once again stood shoulder to shoulder—friends, partners, and allies—united in the face of adversity.
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