The floating pier constructed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, known as Trident Pier, was attached to the shore on May 16.
The floating pier expected to bring life-saving humanitarian aid to the Gaza region has officially been attached to the shore and the first pallets of aid are being delivered, according to updates given by United States Central Command.
“Today at approximately 9 a.m. (Gaza time), trucks carrying humanitarian assistance began moving ashore via a temporary pier in Gaza. No U.S. troops went ashore in Gaza,” a May 17 press release stated. “This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature, and will involve aid commodities donated by a number of countries and humanitarian organizations.”
Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration provided the ships that delivered the pier parts necessary to construct the floating causeway, known as Trident Pier. The M/V Roy P. Benavidez was the initial vessel to begin building the floating pier, and the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and the USNS Stockham have provided support for the humanitarian mission and will stay in the region during Operation Neptune Solace.
The first vessel to deliver humanitarian aid that was transported on the pier was the M/V Sagamore.
All of these vessels are manned in all licensed positions by members of American Maritime Officers.
Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before entering the beach in Gaza, May 17, 2024. The temporary pier, part of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capability, will enable the maritime delivery of international humanitarian aid Gaza for distribution to Palestinian people in need.