Team Kadena Responds to Mainland Disaster

  • Published
  • By 18 Wing Public Affiars
  • 18 Wing Public Affairs
Kadena Air Base, Japan --  Team Kadena members sprang into action to support disaster relief efforts after a devastating 9.0 earthquake rocked northeastern Japan March 11.

Many units who have or are scheduled to deploy bring their own unique capabilities to support operations alongside Japanese and other military members.

"We are here to stand beside our Japanese allies following this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "We are working with U.S. Forces Japan headquarters at Yokota to determine what we can do to help."

So far, five HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, as well as crews from the 33rd and 31st RQS are at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo supporting search and rescue missions.

Missions included transporting members of the Japanese police, a Japanese citizen with a broken leg, and delivering crucial water and supplies to areas in need.

The 733rd Air Mobility Squadron along with the 18th Logistics Readiness squadron are assisting members of the Naha Japan Ground Self Defense force with cargo loading, passenger processing and airlift as the unit moves personnel, vehicles and gear to the disaster area.

In addition, a group of air controllers from the 623rd Air Control Squadron arrived at Yokota Air Base to assist in directing the ever-increasing rescue operations.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate a faster turn-around for rescue and helicopter refueling aircraft at Yokota, a forward area refueling point (FARP) team was sent to provide rapid aircraft refueling capability.

An additional 15 Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group departed Monday with support equipment and relief supplies on a MC-130H Combat Talon II to support humanitarian relief operations being staged out of Yokota Air Base. The Airmen are highly-trained medical, communication and maintenance specialists capable of providing support in some of the most rigorous environments. The 353rd SOG now has about 115 Airmen and three aircraft deployed to support the Japanese government.

The 909th has provided refueling support to aircraft involved in the disaster and have additional aircraft and crews on alert for possible aero medical evacuation missions.

Kadena Airmen also sent forward 20,000 pounds of bottled water, donated by the Defense Commissary Agency, for relief staging out of Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. They are also arranging the transportation for a U.S. Army veterinary services team going north to provide support to search and rescue canines there.

Kadena has additional resources available to support the disaster relief in mainland Japan and stands by to provide the support if called upon.