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OKINAWA, Japan – Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are actively planning support for foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in mainland Japan.
In response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami off the coast of mainland Japan, units within III MEF, to include the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are prepositioning forces and supplies in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese people that have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami. In support of U.S. Forces Japan, III MEF stands ready to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to the affected areas," said Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., III MEF commanding general.
Today, III MEF is sending command and control, staff assistance, KC-130J cargo aircraft and CH-46E transport helicopters from Okinawa to mainland Japan to provide critically needed assistance.
Additional aircraft and supplies will continue to be moved in the next several days.
The helicopters will "provide commanders with the greatest flexibility of options" while conducting humanitarian assistance and relief operations,” said Lt. Col. Damien M. Marsh, commanding officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, which provided the CH-46Es.
The military assistance operation, known as Operation Tomodachi, was named by the Japanese and means “friendship.” U.S. Forces Japan, based at Yokota Air Base, is the lead military command for coordinating all humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Japan.
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| Date Taken: | 03.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2011 03:36 |
| Story ID: | 66927 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 1,062 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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