III Marine Expeditionary Force continues humanitarian assistance mission

Photo By Sgt. Megan Angel | Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force load supplies and equipment in a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma March 13. The supplies will be delivered to mainland Japan to be used humanitarian assistance operations following the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan, March 11. The proximity of Marine aviation assets at MCAS Futenma has allowed Marines from III MEF to rapidly deploy critically-needed supplies and aid to support the relief effort.  

OKINAWA, AICHI, JAPAN

03.13.2011

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan – Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are actively providing support for foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in mainland Japan. The operation, known as Tomodachi, means “friends” in Japanese, and was chosen by Japan.

Today, III MEF sent additional KC-130J cargo aircraft and CH-46E transport helicopters from Okinawa to mainland Japan to provide critically needed assistance, in addition to the eight aircraft sent yesterday.

III MEF (forward) command element has been established in mainland Japan, and is responsible for coordinating Marine Corps relief efforts with U.S. Forces Japan, the lead U.S. military command coordinating relief efforts with the Government of Japan, and the Japan Self-Defense Force.

Humanitarian assistance survey teams departed Okinawa yesterday and today from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The location of MCAS Futenma and its close proximity to Marine units and supplies supporting the relief mission has proved critical to the III MEF disaster response effort. These teams will assess damaged areas and help assist the government of Japan with providing accurate information to disaster relief planners, both military and civilian. Also, the HASTs are capable of distributing supplies and providing basic medical care for those in immediate need of aid.

In addition, Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard ships, are moving toward Japan. The 2,200 Marines and sailors are expected to off the coast of mainland Japan within the next several days.

For more stories, photos, videos and information about the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations being conducted by III MEF, please follow us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iiimef.mcbj
Flickr: www.flickr.com/3mefpao
Marines.mil: www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan

• Date Taken: 03.13.2011
• Date Posted: 03.13.2011 07:00
• Story ID: 66971
• Location: OKINAWA, AICHI, JP