As we did during the tragedy of the 2005 earthquake, we continue to stand by the Pakistani people during this crisis, Marine Corps Gen.James N. Mattis, the new U.S. Central Command commander, said of the humanitarian relief effort under way in Pakistan.Pakistan is our friend and ally, and in their time of need,we are committed to partnering with their government and military to support their efforts to bring relief to the millions of Pakistanis impacted by these floods, declared Mattis, who assumed command of Centcom this week. The first of nine helicopters Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered to Pakistan arrived Thursday to support provide humanitarian assistance in the wake of deadly flooding, that has claimed 1600 lives and affected more than 14 million people. Two Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit launched earlier Thursday from the flight deck of the Navy amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu in international waters in the Arabian Sea, according to a Pentagon news report. The remaining aircraft, expected to arrive over the next few days, will include three Navy MH-53E Sea Dragons, four Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions and 12 Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, officials say. The U.S. helicopters will operate in partnership with the Pakistan military throughout the countrys flood-affected areas. The 19 aircraft will relieve six U.S. Army helicopters already in Pakistan that will soon return to duty in Afghanistan. Despite bad weather, the six helicopters have rescued more than 3,089 people and transported more than 322,340 pounds of emergency relief supplies since Aug. 5, officials reported. The military response is just one part of a broad U.S. effort to assist Pakistan, including pledges of $71 million in assistance.