U.S. Pacific Command continues to work
closely with the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and U.S. Agency for International
Development colleagues to determine how USPACOM forces and assets can assist
the Government of Nepal in the aftermath of this disaster. The U.S. military has transported members of
the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team and urban search and rescue teams
to Nepal, and also sending a Joint Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team (HAST)
of approximately 20 individuals to Nepal in support of the USAID/OFDA Disaster
Assistance Response Team (DART). The Joint HAST is expected to be in Nepal on
April 30th (Nepal local time) and will be led by Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy,
Commander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade will lead the team. The HAST will
help coordinate the response to USAID/OFDA validated requests from the
Government of Nepal in coordination with the Embassy in Kathmandu.