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OKINAWA, Japan - III Marine Expeditionary Force is continuing to actively provide support to Operation Tomodachi on mainland Japan.
More than 670 III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan Marines and sailors are deployed to mainland Japan supporting Government of Japan-led humanitarian aid/disaster relief operations following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the subsequent tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11.
As of March 19, under Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military has flown 132 helicopter and 641 aircraft missions providing assistance in survivor recovery, personnel transport and relief supplies distribution. More than 129,000 pounds of water and 4,200 pounds of food have been distributed, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
About 17,000 U.S. troops and 100 aircraft are involved in relief operations, according to the Pentagon.
III MEF (Fwd)
Beginning March 12, personnel from Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF were boarding KC-130J cargo aircraft bound for mainland and pilots from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, MAG-36 were flying CH-46E transport helicopters to Naval Air Facility Atsugi to provide assistance in surrounding areas.
Throughout this operation, the proximity of the air assets on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has been vital for the rapid deployment of critically-needed aid to the hard hit areas of mainland Japan, according to Lt. Col. Karl C. Rohr, the assistant chief of staff, G-3 current operations for III MEF.
The first III MEF Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams were deployed to mainland Japan March 12 with additional teams sent March 13. These teams assess damage in affected areas and provide this information to commanders for more efficient disaster relief planning. In all, four HASTs were deployed.
By March 13, III MEF (Forward) had established a command element on mainland Japan responsible for coordinating Marine Corps relief efforts with the larger support effort by conducted by U.S. Forces Japan which also includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Pacific command, all working closely with Japanese authorities.
A Forward Arming and Refueling Point, transported from Okinawa on the WestPac Express High Speed Vessel, was established March 16 at Yamagata Airfield. A FARP is a temporary refueling facility usually established near an area of operation to facilitate the continuous operation of aircraft without the need to return to a permanent airfield for refueling. The FARP at Yamagata Airfield allows aircraft and ground vehicles to refuel there when delivering needed supplies in the tsunami-ravaged Sendai region, greatly increasing the III MEF’s abilities to provide support in this region.
Marines stationed at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, convoyed from the camp to Yamagata Airport, escorted by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, March 17-18 to join III MEF (Fwd) and establish a Humanitarian Assistance Center. Convoy assets included six 7-tons, 11 Humvees, communication trucks and other tactical vehicles.
“This is a testament to our commitment to this effort and our relationship with the JGSDF,” said Lt. Col. Anthony N. Frasco, CATC Camp Fuji’s executive officer, March 17 of having the convoy organized and on the road with 48 hours of receiving the tasking from higher headquarters.
“We are looking forward to joining the relief efforts,” said Col. Craig. S Kozeniesky, CATC Camp Fuji’s commanding officer, March 18.
The Marines of HMM-265 delivered more than 42,000 pounds of heating fuel to small villages in Japan’s northern areas March 18, according to HMM-265 officials.
Marines with 1st MAW units have conducted almost daily flights from MCAS Futenma transporting III MEF personnel as well as delivering food, water, blankets communication equipment and other needed supplies to MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota Air Base, Atsugi and Misawa Air Base for redistribution to areas needing humanitarian assistance. Marine aircraft have also flown 236 sorties in throughout Japan in support of aid missions.
In addition, III MEF aircraft were the first to fly into the Sendai Airport March 20 since the airport reopened after suffering extensive damage.
III MEF Marines and sailors are deployed throughout mainland Japan at MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota, Atsugi, Camp Sendai and Yamagata Air Field.
Tomodachi, which means “friends” in Japanese, was selected by Japan.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2011 06:29 |
| Story ID: | 67445 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 1,270 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Operation Tomodachi continues: III MEF Marines, sailors continue supporting relief efforts in Japan, by GySgt Cindy Fisher, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
