Humanitarian Efforts of U.S. Support Group in East Timor

The United States maintains a military presence in East Timor separate from UNMISET. This U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET) has about 10 personnel who coordinate U.S. military activities in East Timor and the rotation of U.S. forces through temporary deployments there. Rotations include regular U.S. Navy ship visits and deployments of military medical and engineering teams providing humanitarian and civic assistance. U.S. forces assigned to USGET and those on rotation operate under U.S. command and control and U.S. rules of engagement.

USGET humanitarian assistance includes community relation and engineer projects, medical and dental programs, and donations provided by U.S. citizens. Personnel from U.S. naval ships visiting East Timor assist in community relation projects. Examples include installing plumbing in schools, providing electricity to a birthing clinic, painting and installing windows at orphanages, and renovating youth and education centers and government administrative facilities. The U.S. Army’s Prime Power teams provide power generator assistance to numerous villages throughout the island, including remote areas. U.S. Navy Seabee Teams focus on repairing major water distribution systems. U.S. sailors from the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) installed plumbing, electrical wiring, electrical fixtures, and a water tower for the Morris Birthing clinic in the Dili district.

USGET has a long and well-established record of support to East Timor. With over 10 ship visits, 70 community relation projects, 27 medical and dental team visits, and 30 major engineering team visits, USGET has played a significant role in providing humanitarian relief and will continue to do so while deployed to newly independent East Timor.