Operation Tomodachi (Japanese: トモダチ作戦, Hepburn: Tomodachi Sakusen; lit. ‘Operation Friend(s)’) was a United States Armed Forces (especially U.S. Forces Japan) assistance operation to support Japan in disaster relief following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The operation took place from 12 March to 4 May 2011; involved 24,000 U.S. servicemembers, 189 aircraft, 24 naval ships; and cost $90 million.[1]
Scale and Impact
Operation Tomodachi was one of the largest U.S. humanitarian missions in modern history, involving nearly 25,000 U.S. service members and delivering massive logistical support to Japan’s recovery
. Both the Navy and Marines were integral to search, rescue, supply delivery, and long‑term relief efforts.
In short: U.S. Marines and Navy not only came to Japan’s aid but were central to the relief operations, working alongside Japanese forces to rescue victims, deliver supplies, and support recovery in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami
I had no idea of this.
I had no idea of this.
Neither did I. Thanks for posting this.
The U.S. efforts were reported at the time, but only the briefest mention. I do not recall hearing about the scale of the efforts.
I spent two years at Yokota AB, 1994 - 1996. Relations with the locals in Yokota town were very good.