By Darryl Isherwood/NJ.com The Star-Ledger -
  
While traveling in the Philippines with a congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith's plane was diverted to aid in a helicopter rescue, the representative's spokesman said today.

Smith was traveling in the Philippines, ravaged earlier this month by Typhoon Haiyan, to meet with victims, emergency workers, and U.S. and Filipino government officials.

During the trip, the U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules Smith was traveling in was diverted to pick up two survivors of a helicopter crash into Manila Bay. The C-130 crew, from Villamor Air Base, found the passengers floating in the water and dropped flotation devices for  them.

While in the devastated country, Smith toured the devastation in Tacloban City and surrounding areas in Leyte.

"It's mind numbing and heart numbing," Smith said. "I've been to many places around the world when there have been catastrophic typhoons hurricanes, earthquakes and even more. It is powerful to witness the Filipino people's resiliency in the face of devastation, in the face the loss of life."

Smith said he saw the importance of meeting with victims face to face during Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed huge portions of the New Jersey coast as well as inland areas.

"We saw with Superstorm Sandy in my own state the devastation and the U.S. government—federal government—had our back because we needed it," Smith said. "Friends here in the Philippines, they have to know that we have their backs and I think that's what USAID is doing - Catholic Relief Services and the other non-government organizations - so that's the message I take away from here."

The typhoon that walloped the country earlier this month left behind a death toll of at least 5,200 people, though that number continues to climb. It was the strongest storm - in terms of wind speed - ever recorded at landfall.

Smith was joined on the trip by U.S. Reps.  Al Green (D-TX), and Trent Franks (R-AZ).