The U.S. military pressed ahead with earthquake relief operations in Venezuela on Friday, delivering the final shipment of 10 U.S. Marine Corps Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) while continuing to provide broader humanitarian support for communities hit by last week’s deadly quakes.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo plane carried the last of the 10 MTVRs on Friday, adding to the vehicles now being used to support disaster survivors and emergency response teams.
According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the MTVR crews will help strengthen logistics operations aimed at moving urgently needed aid into affected local communities.
A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 prepares to guide Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during an in-stream offload on June 18, 2026, ahead of RIMPAC 2026. About 10 MTVRs have been deployed to Venezuela to support relief operations following last week’s deadly earthquakes. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Warr)
The Marine Corps says more than 1,000 MTVRs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they were used extensively in contingency missions as well as humanitarian support operations.
At Simón Bolívar International Airport, the main airport serving Caracas, the U.S. military’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) was coordinating with local officials, the State Department and other agencies on the ground to assist disaster relief efforts.
Rescue workers operate at the scene of a collapsed building complex after earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, on Friday. (Reuters/Ricardo Arduengo)
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SOUTHCOM said Friday that Marine, Navy and Army vertical-lift and rotary-wing aircraft were also carrying out airlift and transport missions, including deliveries of pre-packaged, self-contained meals for earthquake survivors and displaced residents.
A U.S. Air Force plane at Maiquetia airport in Vargas, La Guaira state, Venezuela, July 1 after the June 24 twin earthquakes. The U.S. military continues humanitarian relief efforts with the delivery of equipment and aid. (AFP via Getty Images)
The USS Fort Lauderdale remains at the Port of La Guaira, supporting communications efforts and serving as a distribution point.
The Trump administration has moved in to support the South American nation after 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes last week, mobilizing $150 million in humanitarian relief.
A U.S. military V-22 Osprey aircraft lands in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, Venezuela, June 27, 2026, as part of rescue operations after earthquakes. (Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images)
The administration has also assembled a Disaster Assistance Response Team composed of more than 250 people, including three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue teams.
The death toll from the natural disaster stands at nearly 2,000 and continues to rise.
