The U.S. military is providing hundreds of tons of relief supplies to victims of the cyclone in Bangladesh, much of it using a warship and helicopters sent to the region last week from duty in the Middle East. VOA's Al Pessin reports from the Pentagon.

Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

"We had a pretty good idea of how bad the storm affected southern Bangladesh," he said. "We can see some things. And we were in conversation with the embassy and our defense attaché. And the damage was assessed to be significant. I think it took a little while for the Bangladesh officials to get a comprehensive grasp of the damage."

Speaking via satellite from his headquarters in Hawaii, Admiral Keating told reporters at the Pentagon that preparations to provide help even before the request came enabled the Kearsarge to deliver supplies quickly, mainly fresh water, medical supplies and personnel and food. The admiral denied reports that Bangladeshi officials were initially reluctant to ask for U.S. military aid, saying they made the request once they realized the extent of the need, and that U.S. forces were in the best position to provide help.

Bangladeshi military personnel take charge of a shipment of bottled water delivered by US Marine helicopter crews, from the USS Kearsarge, in Parisol, Bangladesh, 23 Nov 2007

"We are attempting, as best we can, to make sure that the Bangladeshis understand it's their operation," he said. "We are in support. We will do nothing that they don't ask for. And when they are done with us we will leave."

Admiral Keating says the U.S. forces are working with 40,000 Bangladeshi troops and police officers to deliver the relief supplies.

The admiral says the 20 U.S. Marine Corps helicopters from the Kearsarge have flown dozens of missions to deliver supplies to areas where the cyclone destroyed roads, and more flights are planned in the coming days. He says the U.S. military also provided several large water purification machines. The admiral reports 25 countries have pledged a total of $4.1 billion (US) to the relief effort, including a $100 - million donation from Saudi Arabia.