Almost There

While not close enough yet to provide support, USS BATAAN is currently less than 50 nautical miles from Port-au-Prince.

There has currently been news reports circulating that some countries, particularly their leaders, feel that the U.S. is using this humanitarian effort as a cover for its real agenda. Accusations of an American invasion/occupying force have begun to wear away at an already tense coalition of international aid support.

The United States wants to increase troop levels supporting efforts in Haiti to approximately 10,000. This is in no way meant to be viewed as some type of military takeover. Our troops are simply assisting Haitian police, and more specifically, U.N. security forces in maintaining order and providing security at aid distribution points.

Currently there are growing reports of gang activity rising, with men armed with machetes and potentially fire arms, committing carjackings, armed attacks, and specifically looting. There has been a resentment of any type of U.S. presence in Haiti since our country occupied the country twice in 1915. While it is true the U.S. has influenced Haitian leadership that has led to unfavorable results, our purpose here and now is to assist with ongoing humanitarian efforts, aimed at saving as many lives as possible.

International tensions have risen due to our control of the airport in PAP. Currently, we have shifted the priority of incoming of flights to aid support, but the need for security forces and military equipment is still greatly needed in helping the aid workers do their jobs effectively and safely, while also ensuring the safety of Haitian nationals.

Primarily Marines will be deployed to conduct this tasking and they will conduct it professionally and efficiently, helping and protecting the citizens of Haiti, while still protecting each other. In any type of situation, deadly force is authorized as a last means of self defense.

We are not an occupying force in this time of crisis. We are deploying peacekeepers, aid workers, medical staff, food, water, and other means of survival to help a desperate people. This isn't trying to come off as some "poetic propaganda". Continuing reading as I continue to update. If anything, at least watch CNN or Fox News, as we have with us the news media. If anything, especially CNN, they wouldn't shy away from the idea of broadcasting any mistakes or "nefarious deeds" conducted by us.

Hold on Haiti. We're almost there. We're almost there. Image: Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, hand out meals to women and children in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 16, 2010. (DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III)