From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (March 29, 2011) - Seventh Fleet forces continued support of Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) via Operation Tomodachi. With Sendai airport reopened for military flights, and with all known groups of isolated persons now being serviced from JSDF and local authorities ashore, 7th Fleet’s focus has shifted to harbor clearance and consolidation of remaining relief supplies to Sendai airport for distribution, while staying poised to respond as needed.
USNS Safeguard (ARS 50) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 and Underwater Construction Team 2 anchored in the port of Miyako today in preparation for port clearance operations. Tortuga launched a Landing Craft Unit (LCU) equipped with side scan sonar to survey the port. The side scan sonar provides detailed visuals of the harbor area to identify and prioritize dive sites for clearing. The port of Miyako was severely impacted by the tsunami of March 11 with commercial and pleasure craft sunk, concrete pier pilings washed ashore, and one complete pier destroyed. Navy teams are working with the JSDF and local authorities to coordinate similar efforts in the port of Oshima after completion of operations at Miyako.
Helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 moved 154 pallets of relief supplies from USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) to the Misawa, where they will moved via C-130 aircraft to Sendai. From there, U.S. and Japan Ground Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) will distribute the items to disaster areas as needed. The JGSDF has opened most roads in the disaster areas, and are able to move most goods to displaced persons via ground transportation. In a separate effort, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) also moved 3 pallets of hygienic supplies to the JS Hyuga (DDH 161) which included soap, towels, diapers and other assorted items.
A P-3 “Orion” aircraft from the Snapdragons of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) conducted a search and rescue flight off the Tohoku coast to search for debris or objects at sea that could interfere with shipping. The aircraft spotted two boats adrift, approx. 20 and 60 feet in length, adrift and immediately reported their positions to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Japan Coast Guard so they could be retrieved.
The first of two U.S. Navy barges containing 500,000 gallons of fresh water from Commander, Facilities Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) was moved to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant today. The second will arrive tomorrow. Japanese authorities will use the fresh water to replace salt water currently in the reactors.
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), flagship for the United States Seventh Fleet, is on station near Okinawa providing command and control for U.S. Navy efforts during the crisis. Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, has been designated as the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander for U.S. relief efforts in Operation Tomodachi.
Currently 17 ships, 132 aircraft and 13,747 personnel are actively engaged in operation Tomodachi. Those ships include USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50), USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10), USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4).
Since Operation Tomodachi started, U.S. 7th Fleet forces have delivered more than 250 tons of relief supplies to survivors of the tsunami and earthquake, in support of Japan Self Defense Force efforts.
US Pacific Fleet
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Japanese liaison officer helps relief efforts
By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
USS ESSEX, Off the coast of Japan (March 29, 2011) - Japanese liaison officers were brought aboard USS Essex (LHD 2), to help the planning of humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations conducted by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during Operation Tomodachi.
“We have a team of three liaison officers aboard the USS Essex,” said Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Capt. Masanori Ide, one of the liaison officers. “Anytime the 31st MEU sends a request for information to the JSDF headquarters in Sendai Japan, it goes through us. We translate and ensure they get what they need.”
Translation between the JSDF headquarters and Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU, is vital to ensure that supplies get inland and to the people in need.
“When I arrived here, I found that the 31st MEU was focusing on Oshima Island,” said Ide. “There were so many things that needed to happen, and it was my job to coordinate them. I sent a lot of information to the JDSF headquarters that was needed to make the operation happen.”
The operation in Oshima was significant because before the 31st MEU arrived, the isolated community was only being supplied via airlifts. The 31st MEU was the only unit in the area that had the capability and manpower that was needed to really improve the situation there, added Ide.
“Because of the efforts of the MEU, we got power trucks to the island,” said Ide. “No one else could do that. The entire island had been without power for 16 days, and the MEU got it turned back on in one night, which gave the people light and heat.”
That vital link between JDSF headquarters and Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU, will continue to ensure operational success.
“I will do anything I need to, and do my best to help the MEU,” said Ide.
“Because it helps the victims, and helps the MEU help us. I really appreciate the U.S. alliance and friendship. I am moved that all the people I am working with here are dedicating themselves to helping out, not because they were ordered to, but because they care as friends.”
Having the LNOs’ assistance is a valuable asset that helps make the MEU’s contribution even greater.
“Since the Japanese liaison officers from Japan have come aboard the USS ESSEX, our ability to plan and execute tasked missions, as well as prepare for potential missions has improved tremendously,” said Lt. Col. William Arick, commanding officer for Combat Logistics Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Their presence has been instrumental in our mutual understanding of each other's capabilities.”
Arick also added how fortunate he was to have the opportunity to work alongside them.
“Personally, it has been a great honor and privilege to serve side-by-side with our Japanese partners,” Arick said. “Our liaison officer partners' enthusiasm, work ethic, and dedication to help their country is a testament to the Japanese military and people and is humbling to witness.”
The 31st MEU’s involvement is part of a larger U.S. government response, after a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan causing widespread damage. The 31st MEU is ready to support our Japanese partners and to provide assistance when called upon.
US Pacific Fleet
