In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, an Air Force medical humanitarian team left Guam today to provide the kind of relief and assistance to those who have been injured in the aftermath of this string of horrific natural disasters that have afflicted Indonesia.

Thousands are dead, hundreds more injured and a many are reportedly buried under rubble or unaccounted for.  The 7.6-magnitude earth quake that rocked Indonesia following last weeks devastating tsunami hit Southern Sumatra dead on according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Captain Natalie Bauldoff is a pediatrician at Andersen Air Force Base representing the thirteen medics that deployed out of a team of 60 Air Force personnel from AAFB in Yigo this afternoon.  She explained, "With a trip like this, you always have to prepare your heart and mind for the worst."

The Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team (HARRT) mobilized for a massive relief effort that Captain Bauldoff says requires all kinds of assistance.  She added, "We are bringing medications, IV fluids, I know there will be different specialties including surgery and they will bring supplies to take care of those kinds of patients."

Although HARRT recently deployed to Chuuk to deliver humanitarian assistance, this is the HARRT's first official medical response mission and coordination will be critical to its success.  "Air Force 1st Class Matthew Mahoney told KUAM News, "As soon as we get there we will be setting up tents, water, shower shave units and getting everything set up."

Fellow first Airman 1st Class Robert Johnson previously went on the Chuuk mission and he serves in a security capacity.  He says while the focus is on delivering critical medical aid to survivors who may be trapped under debris. Maintaining order and security in this trauma-filled environments is essential.

"Me personally, not much, I'm more the security aspect so I won't be helping patients, but making sure people stay in line and don't have to steal our things," he said.

Meanwhile, Commander Joe Hayslett has been coordinating at AAFB, and he reiterated the significance and urgency of this mission.  "Right now it is just speed and the unknown, we are trying to get out as fast as we can to help the folks make sure we have the right medicine, make sure they are cared for properly, make sure they have the right equipment, the right location and have everything we need to be in the environment we are in<" he said.< p>

There are no shortage of concerns, as Mahoney said, "I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best."

The C-17 Globemaster is scheduled to return to Guam in the next two to three weeks based on requests from the Indonesian Government.