Marines load a KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma bound for the Republic of the Philippines on Dec. 8 to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Bopha. The aircraft provides the lift capacity and capability to transport personnel and relief supplies to areas where they are needed. Personnel with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, already located in the Philippines and serving as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Forward Command Element, will help provide assistance as requested to areas affected by the typhoon in support of ongoing relief efforts by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The aircraft and Marines are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.