US military keeping tabs on situation in Chile in wake of big earthquake; no aid request yet

US military monitoring situation after Chile quake

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says it’s had no reports that the big earthquake in Chile has affected the U.S. military in the region — on land or at sea.

The Defense Department also says it hasn’t received requests yet to help with any relief effort.

In cases of natural disasters, the affected country usually accepts an offer of help made by the State Department.

The State Department can request that Defense Department personnel help carry out that mission.

U.S. Southern Command, based in Miami, oversees the U.S. military presence in South American. Sgt. Santita Mitchell of the command’s public affairs office says the command is monitoring the situation.