On Friday, the U.S. military advanced its relief mission in Venezuela, completing the deployment of 10 U.S. Marine Corps Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs). These vehicles are crucial in aiding the communities affected by last week’s devastating earthquakes and delivering necessary humanitarian aid.
The final batch of MTVRs arrived via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo plane, playing a vital role in assisting both the disaster victims and the personnel engaged in relief operations.
According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), these MTVR crews will be pivotal in managing the logistics required to bring the much-needed relief supplies to affected local communities promptly.
In a related training exercise, a U.S. Navy sailor from Assault Craft Unit 5 was captured directing the MTVRs during an offload at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This took place back on June 18, 2026, as part of preparations for RIMPAC 2026. The same type of vehicles is now deployed in Venezuela, proving their versatility and importance in disaster response following the country’s recent seismic events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Warr)
The Marine Corps highlights that over 1,000 MTVRs are in active duty across Iraq and Afghanistan. These vehicles have seen extensive use in both contingency and humanitarian missions, reflecting their robustness and adaptability to various operational needs.
At Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves the capital of Caracas, the U.S. military’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) was working with local authorities, the State Department and other agencies on the ground to support disaster relief assistance.
Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building complex in the aftermath of earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, Friday. (Reuters/Ricardo Arduengo)
Marine, Navy and Army vertical-lift and rotary-wing aircraft were also conducting airlift and transport flights, including delivering pre-packaged, self-contained meals for earthquake survivors and displaced citizens, SOUTHCOM said in an update Friday.
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.