U.S. Air Force SSgt. William A. Hunter administers medication during a medical civic assistance project in Aidabaleten.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) medical personnel and about 500 U.S. Marines and sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (11th MEU (SOC)) completed U.S. military humanitarian civil assistance projects in Timor-Leste (East Timor) in November 2002.

The medical personnel, sailors, and Marines were part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to help the fledgling country, the poorest nation in the world at the time of its independence on 20 May 2002.

Conducted simultaneously at eight locations, the projects focused on medical and dental assistance and the repair and renovation of village schoolhouses and medical facilities. Five of the projects took place on the main island of Timor-Leste at Manatuto, Liquicia, Aidabaleten, Qima, and Balibo. The other three projects occurred on Atauro Island in the villages of Pala, Atekru, and Beloi. Sailors and Marines painted schoolhouses, installed insect and security screening on windows, assembled school desks and chairs, and constructed doors and awnings.

U.S. Marines load water pipes for Timor Leste’s water system onto a CH-53E helicopter at Comoro Airport in Dili. Photo courtesy of U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET)

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Compiled by Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM staff from press releases by 1st Lt. Carrie Batson, USMC; Capt. Neil Peterson, USMC; and Sgt. Brian J. Griffin, USMC.