US team handed over equipment to Pakistan Army

A US Navy Construction Battalion on Monday turned over to Pakistani military engineers 2.5 million dollars equipment as part of ongoing transition from relief to reconstruction in the quake-hit areas.
The equipment included three D-7 bulldozers, one 15-ton and nine 20-ton dump trucks, seven 100-Kilowatt generators and four skids.
Director General Pakistan Army Engineering, Major General Imtiaz Ahmed, received the equipment at a ceremony from Rear Admiral Michael LeFever, Commander of the US Disaster Assistance Centre in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Michael LeFever appreciated the response and commitment of the government of Pakistan to the relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake survivors.
LeFever highlighted the collective efforts by Pakistan and US relief workers to mitigate the sufferings of the people. He particularly mentioned the temporary construction work carried out by American army personnel at 12 major sites demolished by the earthquake as well as the adoption of villages Kardala and Miani Biani in Azad Kashmir. The contribution of US engineers in the rehabilitation efforts would further strengthen relations between the two countries, he said.
"We consider it an honour to be here and our collective efforts towards relief and rehabilitation will strengthen our bilateral ties," LeFever said. The Seabees of US Navy battalions NMCB 4 and NMCB 74 lived up to their "Can Do" motto. "They dedicated themselves to helping our Pakistani friends," LeFever added.
Major General Imtiaz Ahmed praised the efforts of the US relief teams in the quake-affected areas. "Their dedicated efforts will be remembered by the government and the people of Pakistan as well the quake sufferers for long," Imtiaz said.
He said the US co-operation to help Pakistan overcome the aftermath of the calamity would give further strength to bilateral relations.
Major General Imtiaz said the equipment handed over by the US forces would be of great help in fulfilling the massive task of reconstruction.
Since arriving in Pakistan in October, the American Seabees cleared 50,000 cubic yards of debris, enough to cover almost 800 cricket pitches. They also built 70 temporary shelters and 15 transitional shelters now being used as schools. The projects were primarily accomplished in Miani Biani, Kardala and Muzaffarabad.
Miss Chile of the USAID and Brigadier Farooq of Pakistan Army were also present in the ceremony, which started with the playing of national anthems of both countries.
LeFever told the media that it was a "wonderful experience to be in Pakistan. It is a beautiful country. Pakistani are brave people who showed remarkable resilience in the wake of the devastating earthquake." LeFever appreciated the people of the area for according them respect and co-operation.
Through on-the-job training, 20 Pakistani equipment operators worked with 15 Seabees to learn operating and safety procedures. The Pakistanis will immediately put their new skills to use when they continue Muzaffarabad demolition and debris removal projects.
Talking to media, Garry Kirchner, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Disaster Assistance Centre, said at present there were 750 US personnel working in earthquake areas and by end of February 350 will go back to their destinations.
The media representatives also visited the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital 212th (Mash). They were told that the hospital fully equipped with facilities would be left over behind for the treatment of the quake survivors when all the US forces personnel depart. The US Seabee contingent and other personnel will start leaving Pakistan within a couple of days.