The United States has delivered three brand-new Huey II helicopters worth $24 million to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea met on Friday with LAF Brigadier General Ziad Haikal and Colonel Michel Saifi at the delivery ceremony.
"I'm very touched by the video we just watched, in particular by the role that the Huey II's had in the civil defense response after Beirut Port blast," Shea pointed out, saying that it made her prouder to have the opportunity to commemorate the steadfast commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)."
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She indicated that these brand-new Huey II helicopters symbolize the strength and closeness of their relationship.
"Today, we are formally inaugurating these helicopters, valued at over $24 million US dollars, as the newest additions to the LAF'S air fleet," Shea said.
The US Ambassador also mentioned that these helicopters represent the enduring partnership between Lebanon and the United States.
"US military teams have worked closely with the LAF to ensure that the capabilities of these aircraft will enhance the operational capacity of the LAF in providing security for all of Lebanon," Shea stressed, noting that "the Huey II's versatility allows the LAF to conduct many important missions from MEDEVAC and search and rescue, to combat resupply, to transporting a platoon of fully equipped soldiers anywhere in the country in response to a crisis."
She said their partnership extends far beyond today's delivery, as the US Department of State recently approved an additional $210 million in foreign military financing for the LAF.
According to Shea, these funds will increase the LAF Army, Navy, and Air Forces' capacity for years to come.
"The US is committed to pursuing additional ways that we can help the LAF continue its vital role in securing and protecting Lebanon, and we deeply appreciate the LAF's role in advising us on your needs," she explained.
To LAF colleagues, Shea stated that "they commend the LAF's dedication and hard work for the people of Lebanon, and they are proud to support them."
"I look forward to a continuous and ever-increasing partnership between our two countries, as do all of my colleagues, who are with me here today representing the US Embassy, whether from our Attaché's office or our Office of Defense Cooperation, and in particular all of our Lebanese staff who have been in that office many years supporting this effort; and we also welcome our colleagues from US Central Command," she concluded.