Air Commando pilots first to land in Haiti after earthquake Published Jan. 15, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- An Air Commando from the 1st Special Operations Wing piloted the first MC-130H Combat Talon II to land in Haiti Jan. 13 as part of the humanitarian mission to help the country after a massive earthquake devastated the region Jan. 12. Maj. Brian Helton, flight commander with the 15th Special Operations Squadron, delivered the first team of Airmen whose primary role was to prepare Port-au-Prince's airport for the onslaught of international aircraft responding to the disaster. "This was a great team effort from the moment we got the alert to when we got out of the aircraft," he said. Within hours of being notified of the mission, Major Helton and the crew packed their bags, conducted the pre-flight planning and loaded the aircraft with supplies before taking off on the four-and-a-half hour flight. "Before we left, we saw President Barack Obama on TV talking about how our country was going to help out," he said. "We're glad to execute the call and be a part of that mission." Major Helton said he realized while nearing the destination that there was enough room to land in an uncontrolled field. "They had working lights when we got there," he said. "We thought it would be much worse." Once on the ground, Airmen set up an airfield that could later receive full traffic from aircraft bringing more personnel and medical aid to the island. With the field established and control set up on the ground, Major Helton returned to Hurlburt Field. After going on crew rest, he piloted another C-130 filled with water and fuel back to Haiti Jan. 15. "It gives you a great sense of pride to answer your nation's call and go out and help others in need," he said.