U.S. begins relief flights to China

CHENGDU, China, May 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. military commander in the Pacific says disaster aid is being flown into earthquake-damaged areas of China aboard Air Force transports.

Two C-17 Globemaster cargo jets packed with food, water and equipment landed in Chengdu Sunday, beginning a regular series of flights from U.S. bases in Alaska and Hawaii.

"We will continue to provide any assistance we can to minimize suffering and loss of life," said Adm. Timothy Keating, head of Pacific Command.

China sent the U.S.more than $5 million in aid following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot said Monday.

The Pacific Command is also pitching in on cyclone relief efforts in Myanmar.