DoD Launches Tomodachi Registry Website

From Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense (DoD) launched the Operation Tomodachi Registry website Sept. 5.

The website provides location-based radiation dose estimate reports for adults and children comprising the DoD-affiliated population on or near mainland Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011.

DoD-affiliated members who were in Japan during the nuclear reactor crisis, medical providers, and the public at large will be able to download location-based radiation dose estimate reports from the website. These reports include medical interpretations and provide comparisons of the Operation Tomodachi radiation doses with more commonly experienced radiation doses.

The website also includes information on the event, DoD's response to the crisis, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of the calendar year, individuals in the registry may request a dose assessment that is individually tailored for them, based on more detailed location data that they can provide using the "Contact Us" function on the Operation Tomodachi Registry website.

After extensive environmental monitoring and analysis, it has been determined that none of the nearly 70,000 members of the DoD-affiliated population (service members, DoD civilian employees and contractors, and family members of service members and civilian employees) who were on or near the mainland of Japan between March 12 and May 11, 2011, are known to have been exposed to radiation at levels associated with adverse medical conditions.

The Operation Tomodachi Registry, which will be housed in a secure database containing the names, locations, and radiation doses for all members of the DoD-affiliated population, will be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Personally identified information will be omitted from this website.

Historic HS-4 Transitions to HSC-4

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 became Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, during a transition ceremony at Naval Base Coronado, March 29.

The primary mission of the legendary "Black Knights" has always been anti-submarine warfare. However, with the transition from the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter to MH-60S Knighthawk, the squadron adds search and rescue, combat search and rescue, special operations support and logistics as secondary missions.

"With this ceremony the legendary 'Black Knights' will embark on a new path, and with any decision of the future there will be uncertainties, but one thing that is clear is that the future is bright," said retired Capt. Michael Fuqua, a former commanding officer of HS-4.

Since the announcement of the transition in October 2011, HSC-4 has been training with the Fleet Replacement Squadron of HSC-3 to ensure a solid transition.

"We are learning the new airframe by going to HSC-3 to train with their instructor pilots," said Cmdr. Tamara K. Graham, commanding officer of HSC-4. "And our maintainers go over [to HSC-3] to execute maintenance under the instruction of already trained maintenance professionals."

After months of training, hard work and the official transition, the men and women of the legendary "Black Knights" can now call themselves "plank owners."

"When you work for a command that is called a legend in history, maintaining that representation is going to be challenging, especially being the first to be called HSC-4," said Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Miguel Caro, "but we are all up for the task."

HS-4's most famous helicopter was the SH-3D Sea King "Helicopter 66" which was used to pick up astronauts from Apollo 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Recently, HS-4 deployed and supported Operation Tomodachi to aid tsunami victims in Japan, as well as Operations New Dawn in Iraq and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

"HS-4, at least in my eyes, is the best and greatest squadron that ever was and ever will be, and is truly legendary," said Fuqua.

Graham said by the end of May, HSC-4 expects to be fully transitioned and equipped with seven new MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.

U.S. Leaders Recall Japan Disasters, Relief Efforts

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 – President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta issued statements today marking the upcoming one-year anniversary of the “3/11” earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that devastated Japan.

Obama said he and First Lady Michelle Obama join all Americans in honoring the memory of the 19,000 victims lost or missing. “We continue to be inspired by the Japanese people, who faced unimaginable loss with extraordinary fortitude,” he said.

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan in the afternoon of March 11, triggering a tsunami. The disasters killed an estimated 16,000 people and destroyed coastal villages, towns and cities in the Tohoku region. The earthquake damaged the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, which suffered cooling system failures, fires and explosions continued through March 15.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the disasters were the worst crisis his nation had faced since World War II. Some 3,000 Japanese people remain missing.

In today’s statement, the president said the United States mobilized immediately to aid Japan in a relief effort named for the Japanese word for “friend.”

“At the peak of Operation Tomodachi -- our single, largest bilateral military operation with Japan ever -- the Department of Defense had 24,000 personnel, 190 aircraft, and 24 Navy ships supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts,” Obama noted.

Japan’s government has led rebuilding efforts over the past year, Obama said, while U.S. experts “continue to support Japan’s ongoing efforts to deal with the challenges associated with Fukushima.”

Obama said he and the first lady are grateful for the contributions American civilians and service members have made to Japan’s recovery.

“On this day when our thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people in remembrance of the hardship faced one year ago, let us also celebrate the recovery under way in Japan and pay tribute to Japan’s unflagging dedication to bettering the lives of others throughout the world,” the president said.

Biden, in his statement, recalled his visit to Japan five months after the disasters.

“The survivors I met in Natori and Sendai made clear to me that the disaster met its match in the resilience and fortitude of the Japanese people,” the vice president said. “While struck by the scale of the devastation, I also witnessed remarkable and inspiring progress in rebuilding homes, schools, and workplaces.”

In Sendai, Biden said, he visited an airport that had been flooded and later became a refugee center.

“A week after the tsunami, Japanese and American forces reopened a runway, allowing the arrival of hundreds of relief workers and more than two million tons of humanitarian supplies,” he said. As Japan rebuilds, America will stand with its allies as long as it takes, Biden added.

“We join the Japanese people today in honoring the memories of those lost as they continue to work for a better future,” he said.

Panetta also expressed admiration “for the strength and resilience of the Japanese people,” adding that he too, in a visit last year, had seen their determination to rebuild their country even stronger than before.

"The U.S. military was proud to support the government of Japan in responding to this disaster, and the success of these efforts is a testament to the strength of our alliance,” the secretary said.

The United States remains committed to helping Japan rebuild, Panetta said, and the U.S. military will continue to deepen its partnership with Japanese forces.

“Japan is more than just an ally,” the secretary said. “It is also a great friend of America. Together we will continue to forge ahead to achieve peace, prosperity, and a better future for both of our countries.”

Panetta thanked the thousands of Defense Department men and women who responded to Japan’s disasters.

“Within moments of disaster striking, the United States armed forces, under the leadership of [Navy] Adm. Robert Willard, were fully mobilized to support the Japanese government in its response and recovery efforts,” he said.

Willard commands U.S. Pacific Command, the nation’s largest combatant command, and led U.S. relief efforts after the earthquake struck. Willard, who is retiring after a 39-year career, will hand that position over to Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III in a ceremony later today.

Panetta said the greatest service anyone can perform is to help fellow human beings in need.

“Together, Japanese and American forces helped those in need, and solidified the friendship between our two great nations for generations to come," the secretary said.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on the One Year Anniversary of Great East Japan Earthquake

“As the world marks one year since the Great East Japan Earthquake, I would like to express my admiration for the strength and resilience of the Japanese people.  Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Japan and see the determination of the Japanese people who are rebuilding their country even stronger than before.

“The U.S. military was proud to support the Government of Japan in responding to this disaster, and the success of these efforts is a testament to the strength of our alliance.  In my visits with U.S. service members and Japanese forces, I was struck by the close bonds of partnership and friendship that exist between our militaries, bonds that have grown even closer in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“On this anniversary of that tragic event, we remain committed to assist our Japanese friends to rebuild, to deepen our partnership with the Japanese Self Defense Forces, and to strengthen our great alliance.  Japan is more than just an ally.  It is also a great friend of America.  Together we will continue to forge ahead to achieve peace, prosperity, and a better future for both of our countries.

“I also want to thank the thousands of men and women in the Department of Defense who immediately answered the call and brought relief to Japanese and American citizens struggling amidst the devastation.  Within moments of disaster striking, the United States armed forces, under the leadership of Adm. Robert Willard, were fully mobilized to support the Japanese government in its response and recovery efforts.

“I believe the greatest service we can do is when we are able to reach out and help our fellow human beings in need.  Together, Japanese and American forces helped those in need, and solidified the friendship between our two great nations for generations to come.”

Dempsey Reaffirms U.S.-Japan Alliance at Earthquake Anniversary Event

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 – As the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Japan’s northeast region approaches, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan partnership, saying it grew stronger in the face of adversity.

“We have a saying: adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it,” Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said at a reception at the Japanese Embassy here last night. The event was held to thank Americans for their support following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and to highlight reconstruction efforts.

“The character that has been revealed in the Japanese people and the Japanese defense forces -- it’s probably the best thing that could come out of that kind of disaster,” Dempsey said. The chairman noted that, “while we recognize the goodness that comes out of these shared trials, there also is the sadness of all the people lost.”

Dempsey thanked Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki and the Japanese people for their enduring partnership and friendship, following a flutist playing the Star Spangled Banner and the showing of a video of the earthquake and reconstruction efforts.

“I have the real privilege of representing all the American armed forces and their family members who, really on this day, just want to tell the Japanese people -- our long-term partners and friends -- that we are so proud of you, after going through that kind of disaster,” Dempsey said. “It’s hard to imagine, really, the strength and resilience you have shown.”

The chairman said he spoke earlier this week with his Japanese counterpart to express his condolences for the earthquake and reaffirm the bilateral partnership.

“It’s to all of you who have been involved in the Pacific … that I will tell you, ‘thanks,’” he said. “And, to our Japanese brothers and sisters, we simply say the word that best defines us in this moment, and that is, tomodachi.”

Tomodachi, or friend, is the name of a nonprofit organization the U.S. and Japanese governments created following “Operation Tomodachi,” the U.S.-Japanese military relief efforts following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

The disaster killed more than 15,400 people and destroyed coastal villages, towns and cities in the Tohoku region. The U.S. military sent 20 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, almost 20,000 personnel, and huge amounts of supplies and heavy equipment.

Japanese Family Thanks U.S. 7th Fleet

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

TOMAKOMAI, Japan (NNS) -- The owner and family members of a Japanese fishing vessel, found missing by the U.S. Navy during Operation Tomodachi, visited the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to say "thank you," in Tomakomai, Japan, Feb. 5.

Shiho Orikasa and her family visited the crew to show their appreciation and gratitude for their help in locating their missing boat and helping Japan during the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.

"Thank you for inviting my family and I. I am happy to see you. We are appreciative of all your efforts in Japan," said Shiho.

During Operation Tomodachi, Shiho sent an e-mail entitled "I am a 14-year-old Japanese," to the 7th Fleet public affairs office asking for help in locating her father's fishing ship, after seeing images of the ship named HOUKI MARU NO.23 on the 7th Fleet website, www.c7f.navy.mil.

Lt. Cmdr. Mike Morley, the public affairs officer for Commander Task Force 73, volunteered to help the 7th Fleet public affairs office on board Blue Ridge during Operation Tomodachi, replied to Shiho's email.

Morley said 7th Fleet would look into getting details of the latitude, longitude and exact time the photographs were taken.

"We are also researching to see if there is more current information on where the ship may be now," Morley wrote back. "We will keep you informed of what we find."

Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) had encountered the missing ship March 13, 2011. The coordinates of the ship's location from that day were given to the family to use with the help of the Japan Coast Guard to locate the ship.

Two weeks after Curtis Wilbur's crew saw the missing the ship, Shiho emailed Morley that the Japan Coast Guard had located and retrieved the fishing vessel.

"It was fantastic to hear the Japanese Coast Guard had found the ship. It was a fortunate series of events that all started when Shiho had the courage to send that first e-mail, asking for help in finding her family's ship," said Morley.

While on board Blue Ridge, the Orikasa family received a tour of the ship's spaces and presented crewmembers with flowers. With the help of a translator, Yoshie Ushimaru, Shiho's father also expressed his appreciation for the Navy's help.

"At the time when he thought he had lost his ship, he didn't have any hope, but he ended up finding the ship and now he is able to (continue fishing), so once again he really wants to thank the U.S. Navy," stated Ushimaru.

Capt. Charles Williams, 7th Fleet chief of staff, also presented a thank you gift to the family for coming aboard the ship and expressed what a privilege it was to help them.

"It was a pleasure and certainly an honor to be of any help to you and of course to Japan," said Williams.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team-Pacific (FAST-PAC) are in Tomakomai for a port visit to participate in the 63rd Sapporo Snow Festival.