Miami-based U.S. Southern Command is dispatching a team of 30 people to Haiti to support relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake and make way for additional military aid.
Officials said two C-130 aircraft were departing Wednesday for Haiti with the team of military engineers, operational planners, communications specialists and a command and control group. The Air Force is sending people to provide air traffic control and operations at the Port-au-Prince airport.
U.S. officials are laying out a massive military response to the Haiti earthquake, saying that ships, helicopters, transport planes and a 2,000-member Marine unit are either on the way or likely to begin moving soon.
Gen. Douglas Fraser, head of U.S. Southern Command, said Wednesday that one of the U.S. Navy's large amphibious ships will likely head to Haiti with a Marine expeditionary unit aboard. Fraser said other U.S. military forces are on alert, including a brigade, which includes about 3,500 troops. Fraser said during a news conference with other U.S. officials that the Pentagon is "seriously looking at" sending thousands of Marines to assist with disaster relief efforts and security in Haiti. The general said that a U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, is also heading from Norfolk, Va., to the area and should arrive Thursday afternoon.
The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency funds.
The Irish telecommunications company Digicel said it would donate $5 million to aid agencies and repair its damaged 1800MHz GSM mobile phone network.
The European Commission has approved $4.37 million with more funds likely.
Spain has pledged $4.37 million, and sent three planes with rescue teams and 100 tons of emergency relief equipment.
The Netherlands has donated $2.91 million and will send a 60-person search-and-rescue team.
Germany gave $2.17 million and sent an immediate response team. Another team with 20 rescue dogs is on standby.
China will donate $1 million, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Sweden has offered $850,000 along with tents, water purification equipment and medical aid.
Venezuela has sent doctors, firefighters and rescue workers.
Mexico will send doctors, search-and-rescue dogs and infrastructure damage experts.
France is sending two planes with doctors, food and medical equipment.
Britain has sent 64 firefighters with search-and-rescue dogs and 10 tons of equipment
Iceland is sending 37 search-and-rescue specialists.
Taiwan is flying in 23 rescue personnel and 2 tons of aid and equipment.
Israel is sending an elite army rescue unit including engineers, rescue workers, doctors and medics