CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – The first aircraft with Afghan evacuees arrived in Camp Atterbury on Thursday as part of Operation Allies Welcome.

The Department of Defense is supporting the evacuees by providing them with transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and logistics support for their safe relocation to the United States.

"The professionalism of Task Force Atterbury, as they prepared to receive Afghan evacuees, is nothing short of impressive," said Brig. Gen. Knell, Task Force Atterbury Commander. "The multi-agency, multi-component effort ensured we were ready to welcome them with open arms, providing dignity and respect to all."

Approximately 2,500 Afghans can be housed at Camp Atterbury, one of eight locations across the U.S. to host the evacuees.

"As a Hoosier, I could not be more proud of our troops and active-duty soldiers who came together to help our Afghan allies in support of this mission," said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, the Indiana National Guard adjutant general.

The Department of Defense will support at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees in permanent or temporary structures.