MANILA - The United States government is providing emergency aid and air transport support to the Philippines after the devastation brought about by Typhoon Julian, internationally known as Krathon. The US Department of Defense (DOD) said Saturday the US Marines, "at the request" of the Philippine government, have sent personnel and equipment to transport foreign disaster relief (FDR) supplies via a KC-130J Hercules aircraft to affected locations within the country. The agency did not mention any specific area except that the operation was in response to the aftermath of Typhoon Julian in Northern Luzon. Two Marine Corps KC-130Js departed Okinawa, Japan and arrived in Manila on Oct. 5 to support the ongoing relief efforts. The III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), directed by the US Indo-Pacific Command, will join personnel from I MEF's 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia, who are 'already located in-country for training,' to facilitate the efficient distribution o f materials. The humanitarian assistance supplies include tarps, shelter kits, food packets, and other non-food items. The DOD said the US military's air transport support and other assistance are in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the US Department of Defense Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid Program. The US military assistance will further support the US Agency for International Development's ongoing relief efforts in the country, which has reached USD500,000 or approximately PHP28 million in aid, including emergency shelter, water, and sanitation. (PNA) Source: Philippines News Agency