East Millinocket native helping cyclone victims

Before any U.S. military troops entered Bangladesh to help with relief efforts after last month’s devastating cyclone, Lt. Cmdr. James Ouellette Jr. visited the nation to help establish diplomatic rules that would allow Americans into the country’s airspace and waters.

Ouellette, 35, an East Millinocket native, is a staff judge advocate for the U.S. Navy and part of a team that negotiated an agreement between the Bangladesh government and U.S. ground and sea forces. He flew into the country’s capital, Dhaka, and worked with U.S. Embassy personnel to assure protection for all American service members going onshore to offer help.

Historically, any U.S. ship or aircraft entering Bangladesh by air or sea had to file individual requests with the country. Under the negotiated agreement, U.S. forces have blanket clearance so they can move freely and quickly to assist needy victims, Ouellette said.

“We airlift relief supplies and distribute all the aid that has been donated to the people of Bangladesh,” Ouelette said, using a satellite telephone to call from onboard the USS Tarawa.

Cyclone Sidr struck southwestern Bangladesh on Nov. 15, killing more than 3,000 people. More than 1,000 residents are still missing, and more than 30,000 were injured.

U.S. forces began offering aid to Bangladesh, per the request of the country, one week after the devastating storm struck. The U.S. Navy and Marines have partnered in relief efforts, Ouellette said.

U.S. military helicopters fly to remote areas of Bangladesh where sailors and Marines treat victims suffering from waterborne illnesses, Ouellette said. The sailors also have distributed 14,000 gallons of clean drinking water and 225,000 pounds of food, medical supplies, clothing and blankets, he said.

“Children lined up behind the Bangladeshi security forces to watch and wave to us,” Ouellette said. “One of the favorite activities of the sailors and Marines [is] to give treats to the kids. We even played a little pickup football game with them.”

Ouellette, who is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with his wife, Stephanie, and three daughters, returned to headquarters early Wednesday morning. Relief efforts are expected to continue for a while, but the Maine native can monitor the international and maritime law aspect of the mission from Japan, he said.

Toni-Lynn Robbins may be reached at trobbins@bangordailynews.net or 990-8074.