up to 300 have been forward staged to nepal with brigadier general ortkennedy. they have provided air lift u.s airfield services, search and t rescue support and other fted support. as of may 19 the joint task force had felony 290 relief lights airlifted passengers and airlifted material and relief id supplies. in conclusion, the department of e defenseff has responded swiftly to a assist the government of nepal. the relief efforts to date highlight the unique nati capabilities the department withk bring to bear in the u.s. government response to notch ral raldy sasters. thank you again for this in th opportunity to highlight the great work that the men and women of the department of ok for defense are going alongside our the partners in usaid and the state department and i look forward to your questions. >> thank you. i understand mr. connolly has another scheduling issue. i'm going to let you ask the first question. >> mr. chairman thank you. i really appreciate it.upport welcome to our panel. i'm particularly interested as a long time supporter of and partici