Reply #44: some early numbers from Reuters ...

[bin.dare]

US military spending $6 mln a day on Asia relief
Last updated: 06-01-05, 19:45

The Pentagon has spent $40 million on the Asian relief effort and estimates expending about $6 million daily to operate ships, helicopters, airplanes and other US military assets, officials said today.

Meanwhile, the US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy has set sail from San Diego, California, to provide medical services to survivors of the tsunami, which killed close to 150,000 people, and will arrive in the region in about 30 days, according to US Pacific Command.

The Pentagon said operating costs for military assets in the region were estimated at $5 million to $6 million a day, including $2.4 million in personnel costs and $3.2 million for operating ships, aircraft and equipment.

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The US military currently has about 1,300 military personnel on the ground, most in Thailand, for relief efforts, and another 12,000 aboard 17 Navy ships in the region, along with about 50 helicopters and about 40 cargo, reconnaissance and refueling airplanes, Pacific Command said. A U.S. Coast Guard ship also is part of the effort.