B-ROLL of 737 Flight FOR MEDIA USE HERE (Credit Project DYNAMO): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNtCAw_w5Ru2piE4HTrMF5AWEaxENI-u/view?usp=drive_link
B-ROLL of Food Distribution FOR MEDIA USE (Credit Anthony Rayburn, Project DYNAMO): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EEdhmMnP-jSbOv5TVJeIvV48dFtZruss/view?usp=drive_link
Photos FOR MEDIA USE (Credit Anthony Rayburn, Project DYNAMO): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZN2dfeJd4-wogb0hkyHVRjeiD3aL1O0F?usp=sharing
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Three weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica—claiming at least 45 lives in the country alone, displacing thousands, and impacting more than 1.5 million people with widespread infrastructure damage—Project DYNAMO’s Operation Cool Runnings has achieved a major milestone in its humanitarian response.
Since boots first hit the ground in late October, Project DYNAMO has delivered more than 50,000 pounds of critical relief supplies, fed thousands of residents, conducted search-and-rescue operations, provided medical evaluations, and assisted with the safe evacuation of more than 150 American citizens – with many on Project DYNAMO’s urgent medical evacuation flights.
Just last week, the veteran-led nonprofit dispatched its first Boeing 737 cargo mission, delivering approximately 20,000 pounds of critical relief supplies to Montego Bay.
The flight, which departed Miami, Florida on Wednesday, was made possible in coordination with Love First Christian Center in Riverview, Florida. Founded in 2008 by Jamaican-descended Pastor Jomo Cousins and his wife, the church helped provide funding for the charter and donated supplies. Supplies were also provided by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, Everything Life Saving Foundation, Mercury One, Operation BBQ Relief, HOIST IV-Level Hydration, LifeStraw and more.
Cargo was palletized by Project DYNAMO’s team and transported via a 53-foot semi-truck to Miami for loading onto the 737. Upon arrival in Jamaica, the plane was met by Project DYNAMO representatives and partners from Fingers from the Heart Ministries in Jamaica.
Supplies were then loaded on trucks after clearing customs and were distributed by Project DYNAMO’s teams on the ground to those in need.
Since deploying their teams to Jamaica in late October, Project DYNAMO has conducted more than 20 flights using smaller aircraft, including a Piper Navajo, Epic 1000 and Beechcraft King Air.
Project DYNAMO’s aircraft were the first American flights to land in Montego Bay following Hurricane Melissa, conducting the first relief deliveries and first evacuations of Americans out of Montego Bay following the storm. These missions have focused on delivering critical aid and shuttling evacuees, prioritizing urgent medical evacuations and critical needs cases.
Additionally, specialized aircraft from A2G in Titusville, Florida, have flown in support of Operation Cool Runnings conducting the first detailed aerial reconnaissance flights over Jamaica. These flights provided authorities with vital information on main supply routes, routes still needing clearance, and direct support for Project DYNAMO’s ground-based search-and-rescue operations.
The operation is supported by coordinated teams across multiple hubs: ground crews in Montego Bay operating throughout western Jamaica, logistics teams in Miami and Key West, Florida, as well as support from Tampa, Florida, and Houston, Texas. These efforts include regular delivery flights, aid distribution and medical evacuations to address the crisis.
“As we enter the fourth week, the scale of human suffering is still overwhelming—thousands remain without food, clean water or shelter. As long as a need remains, and we have the funding necessary, we will continue to provide assistance to those in need,” said Mario Duarte, Project DYNAMO President & CEO. “Whether it’s a loaded 737, or our crews on the ground providing a meal to a child, every mission matters. This is why we exist: to get Americans home and help devastated communities get back on their feet.”
Funding for these flights remains extremely important, with fuel costs being the largest cost.
Additionally, Project DYNAMO is actively accepting bulk, item donations only (mixed boxes significantly delay customs clearance in Jamaica). High-priority needs include:
- Cases of MREs
- Bottled water and electrolyte drinks
- Canned goods (cases only)
- Tarps and tents
- Generators (any size – still one of the most critical shortages)
- Diapers and baby formula
- Unexpired medication
- Cleaning supplies
Contact info@projectdynamo.net to coordinate delivery.
Project DYNAMO would like to thank Everything Lifesaving Foundation, Medic Corps, Mercury One, Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, Operation BBQ Relief, Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, FloridaOne, Love First Christian Center, A2G, Regional Air & Transport, HOIST IV-Level Hydration, LifeStraw and more.
Additionally, Project DYNAMO is grateful for the support received from U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Representatives Brian Mast, Byron Donalds, Gus Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, Kathy Castor, Eli Crane and Barry Moore.
Project DYNAMO, a veteran-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in rapid-response for humanitarian crises and conducting evacuations from denied areas, continues distributing aid across western Jamaica today, with additional flights and missions forthcoming. For more information or to support Operation Cool Runnings, visit projectdynamo.net.
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