The DVIDS Journalist of the Month, Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Bradley, used his photographic skills to document the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that swept across Japan. Bradley showed the wake of natural disasters... read more
The DVIDS Journalist of the Month, Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Bradley, used his photographic skills to document the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that swept across Japan. Bradley showed the wake of natural disasters with images of the devastation, the U.S. military response, rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance.<br />
<br />
To understand the effect on Japan and the cleanup needed, the Naval Air Facility Misawa journalist, photographed the remnants of a house, "a fishing boat swept ashore," "a fishing boat sit[ing] atop a gas station" and several photos of rubble piles. He also zoomed out for an aerial shot of the devastation showing more<br />
homes in ruins.<br />
<br />
Bradley extended the emotion of the damages by snapping a photo of a "Mickey Mouse doll [lying] in tatters among rubble and debris," which most likely once belonged to a Japanese child. In another one of his photos, "a mother and daughter pause for reflection as they find a family photo amid the wreckage of their home."<br />
<br />
His photos also help document the U.S. military’s response with photos of "Sailors lend[ing] a hand to clean-up in Hachinohe, Japan" and Navy Misawa sailors delivering humanitarian supplies. Bradley’s photos are also timely, which made the media more apt to run the already news-attractive photos. Numerous media outlets used the photos in their coverage of the earthquake including, the FOX News, Los Angeles Times and Unknownsoldiersblog.com.<br />
<br />
Going beyond still imagery, Bradley also covered the Japan aftermath as a broadcaster. His video, "Search and Rescue Teams from the U.S. and U.K." resulted in so many hits from the posting on the New York Times, that it slowed Internet for the entire building where DVIDS is located. He also covered the search and rescue efforts with photos. Bradley provided additional background information for the photos and videos with different news stories including "Aircraft arrive at NAF Misawa in Support of Operation Tomodachi," which had nearly 900 views and was shared on Facebook more than 75 times.<br />
<br />
"MC1 Bradley is a motivated, talented sailor whose imagery and video were critical to capturing the heroic recovery efforts that followed Japan’s massive tsunami," said Naval Air Facility Misawa commanding officer Capt. James Haugen. "Throughout Operation Tomodachi, Petty Officer Bradley has been on the forefront of Naval Air Facility Misawa’s comprehensive documentation of this bi-lateral effort. I’m very proud that he represents our command and all Misawa sailors." show less
