US Forces Scale Back Haiti Relief Role

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The biggest U.S. military surge since Iraq and Afghanistan is scaling back, a month after troops arrived to aid victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake.

Great gray ships have been departing Haiti’s battered shores, as thousands of American troops pack up their tents. Troop strength is down to 13,000 from a Feb. 1 peak of 20,000.

U.S. forces have helped shore up the quake-damaged port in Haiti’s capital to operate at several times its pre-quake tonnage.

Troops have also helped with security and logistics for U.N. food distributions. Military choppers have been delivering life-sustaining relief to isolated villages.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the U.S. mission will continue in Haiti for the long haul. Troops who remain will help Haitians in their struggle toward recovery.