Airmen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron spot a boat tossed on its side amidst residential buildings and other debris in northeastern Japan, March 14. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew surveyed the damaged area as part of Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
A search and rescue team from the 33rd Rescue Squadron surveys an inlet in northeastern Japan, March 14. The HH-60G helicopter crew is part of the American disaster relief forces in Northern Japan to assist with earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
A search and rescue team from the 33rd Rescue Squadron observes a universal "SOS" sign on a coastal roadway in northeastern Japan, March 14. The HH-60G helicopter crew is part of American disaster relief forces in Northern Japan there to assist with earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japanese citizens rush donated food and supplies to an awaiting U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, March 14. A search and rescue team from the 33rd Rescue Squadron arrived in northern Japan with the helicopters to aid with earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts March 12. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
A search and rescue team from the 33rd Rescue Squadron observes debris blocking a coastal inlet near Sendai, Japan, March 14. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew surveyed the damaged area as part of Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts.(U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
A Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance team carries an earthquake victim to a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, March 14. Airmen from the 33rd RQS transported the Japanese citizen to a nearby hospital for treatment during earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
A Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance team unloads an earthquake victim from a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, March 14. Airmen from the 33rd RQS transported the injured man from a remote island to a nearby hospital for treatment during earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airman 1st Class Veronica Cox, 33rd Rescue Squadron, loads relief supplies onto a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, March 14. Airman Cox was part of a search and rescue team deployed to northern Japan to survey damaged areas after the earthquake and tsunamis. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airmen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron witness a house drifting off the coast of Northeastern Japan, March 14. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew surveyed the damaged area as part of Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airmen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron partner with a Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance team to unload an earthquake victim from a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, March 14. Airmen from the 33rd RQS transported the injured man from a remote island to a nearby hospital for treatment during earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Airmen perform search and rescue operations in Northern Japan

Published March 15, 2011