News Channel 7 Reports From Haiti

ESCAPING THE SECOND QUAKE

News Channel 7 reporter Jonathan Carlson and Photojournalist Kris Sheehan were on assignment in Port-au-Prince Haiti, and made it off the island, only two hours before another earthquake striked. That aftershock, hitting around 6 Wednesday morning. Carlson and Sheehan flew out around 4am.

The two were in Haiti reporting on relief efforts, after flying to the earthquake ravaged country Tuesday.

The Channel 7 crew flew down with the air force on a C 17 jet. Carlson and Sheehan were embedded with an air force crew based out of Charleston AFB.

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JOURNEY TO HAITI

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI-- Our journey to the island of Haiti begins at sunset on a C 17 Air Force jet.

Its a quick take off--and soon--a landing at Pope AFB in North Carolina.

This is where the Charleston AFB crew will pick up heavily armed soldiers--ready to help keep the peace once on the ground in Haiti. They're also bringing military vehicles for support.

Shortly before 8 Tuesday, everything is a go--but Haiti is too congested with planes for us. We sit waiting until late into the night until take off finally comes. Many of the soldiers are knocked out cold. Its good they got some rest, as they will likely have many sleepless nights ahead. These are round the clock missions.

Army Specialist Travis Brock, onboard the flight, says, "We were ready to go within 18 hours." He says he has no idea how long they will be stationed in Haiti.

For the Charleston based AF crew heading the mission--this has become a familiar trip since they were first called for duty.

Capt. Wayne Capps, an Air Force Reservist, says, "Right now Charleston AFB has flown 30 missions down to Haiti supporting relief efforts."

As our flight heads towards the Caribbean--our pilot's job gets a whole lot trickier.

Lt. Col. Bob Graham, with the Air Force Reserve says, "There's no one trying to shoot at you--but your big threat is the other airplanes all over the place."

We're headed towards an airport with limited air traffic control and plenty of unseen obstacles.

As we approach the island the crew puts on night vision goggles. This will help them see dangerous objects in their path.

Soon--the runway is in view. The crew's nerves--on edge. Making it in safe is all up to them.

Once the plane lands they taxi in with caution. The airport is somewhat secure---somewhat.

Once on the ground we're quickly on the move.

Damage is everywhere. The airport itself is cracked and crumbling.

The area is buzzing with humanitarian and military activity. Soldiers on the move--UN workers patrolling.

The flow of aid arriving in the capital here--endless. From convoys moving on the ground to planes arriving by the minute.

Planes like ours--here to help heal a disaster.

Those on the relief flight say the missions will continue, as long as there is a need. And the need in Haiti continues to be great.

Read More about the Boeing C-17 here.

Check out the Charleston Air Force Base Here

Read more about the tragedy in Haiti and how you can help here.