British C-17 delivers cold storage containers to Beirut

A Royal Air Force C-17 carrying cold storage containers departed RAF Brize Norton and arrived in Beirut last Saturday.

The Royal Air Force say on their website that the cold storage containers, which can be used to store medical supplies, have been provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces who are facilitating the disaster relief response.

Group Captain Emily Flynn was quoted as saying:

“RAF Brize Norton operates 24/7, providing support where it is needed and when called upon to do so. Today, we are providing aircraft to support to the Foreign Office and the Lebanese Government in a time of crisis.  It is a great example of the RAF’s ability to deploy rapidly in support of the UK Government and our allies across the world.”

The RAF also say on their website:

“This most recent assistance follows on from the survey of the damage to Beirut port conducted by HMS Enterprise. Assessing the damage to the port will act as a major step forward in helping to re-establish the strategic shipping hub, with the majority of the country’s imports coming through the port it is vital that it returns to normal operations as soon as possible.

Earlier this week soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who had deployed from Cyprus onboard HMS Enterprise, delivered and assisted in the construction of a field kitchen and accommodation tents. The tents will service 500 personnel of the Lebanese Armed Forces who are involved in providing assistance in the aftermath of the devastation.”

The Ministry of Defence say that advisors deployed to Beirut  are continuing to work alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces to assess further assistance the UK Armed Forces can provide.