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.

Panetta Discusses U.S. Focus on Pacific, Middle East

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 – The Pacific will be a growing focus for the American military in the years to come, but the Middle East also must remain a priority, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in Hawaii yesterday.

The secretary is in Honolulu to preside at today’s change-of-command ceremony for U.S. Pacific Command. Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard will pass command of the largest U.S. combatant command to Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III.

In a meeting with local reporters, Panetta addressed the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to the United States, but also fielded questions on Iran and Syria. “As we emphasize and focus on the Pacific and the region, this will remain a very important command and base, and we will continue to emphasize this region,” the secretary said.

Panetta also emphasized that this is a historic time for the Defense Department.

“We’re at a turning point after 10 years of war,” he said. “We’ve ended the mission in Iraq, and we’ve turned a corner in Afghanistan. We still have a war there, but I think we are on a better path toward transition in Afghanistan.”

U.S. forces participated in NATO operations that removed Moammar Gadhafi from power in Tripoli and gave Libya back to the Libyan people, he noted. “On terrorism,” he added, “we’ve scored significant success against the leadership of al-Qaida, although terrorism itself remains a threat.”

These successes must be viewed through the prism of economic difficulties, Panetta said. The United States is facing severe budget problems with record deficits and record debt, and Congress has mandated cutting $487 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years.

“This happens at a time when we face some significant threats in the world,” he said. “We’re still fighting a war, we are still confronting terrorism. We have threats from Iran and from North Korea. We have the Middle East in turmoil, we have rising powers in the Pacific, and we have the threats of cyber war.”

President Barack Obama directed the Pentagon to develop a new defense strategy, Panetta told reporters, and leaders used this new guidance to make budget decisions. The strategy is the basis for building the force needed for the future, and the shifting of focus to the Pacific, he said. And the strategy puts the military on the right path while still doing the Defense Department’s part to solve the deficit crisis, he added.

The military will become a smaller and leaner force, Panetta said, but it will be more agile, quickly deployable and technologically advanced under the new strategy.

“Part of our strategy was to emphasize our presence in the Pacific and the Middle East,” he said. “We are a Pacific power, and we will remain one.”

The United States maintains forces in the Pacific “because we believe this is an important area economically, militarily, strategically and in terms of the allies that we have in this region,” the secretary said. But even in the middle of the Pacific, the Middle East still is a concern, he added.

Reporters asked Panetta about U.S.-Israeli cooperation on Iran. U.S. and Israeli leaders have discussed Israeli missile defense, and the two countries continue a very close military relationship, he said. U.S. and Israeli leaders held a series of discussions in the past week, the secretary noted. Iran obviously was a matter discussed at the highest levels, he said, and the United States understands Israeli leaders must make decisions they believe are in their country’s best interests, and America will do the same.

“When it comes to Iran, we have common cause against Iran, [and] we have the same concerns as Israel with regards to [Iran] obtaining a nuclear weapon,” the secretary said.

The United States has made it clear that a nuclear Iran is not acceptable, Panetta said.

“We are going to prevent them from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Panetta said. “We are also going to ensure they are not going to close the Straits of Hormuz.”

U.S. leaders believe sanctions against Tehran are working, the secretary said. “We think diplomacy and holding the international community together to apply that pressure needs to continue and that’s the right way to go right now,” he added. “We hope Israel will continue to be part of that international effort.”

Pentagon Official Makes Case for New BRAC Rounds

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The Defense Department needs two rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure process this year and next to shed excess building space and save money, the deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment told a congressional panel today.

The two BRAC rounds would align with the department’s strategic guidance for a leaner, more flexible force as it rebalances after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dorothy Robyn told the House Armed Services Committee’s readiness subcommittee in prepared remarks.

“Of all the efficiency measures that the department has undertaken over the years, BRAC is perhaps the most successful and significant,” she said.

The department’s fiscal 2013 budget request calls for a 5.5 percent reduction in military end strength in the next five years.

“Simply stated, the cuts in force structure that we are implementing must be accompanied by cuts in supporting infrastructure, including military bases,” Robyn said. “Absent a process for closing and realigning bases, the department will be locked in a status quo configuration that does not match its evolving force structure, doctrine and technology."

Robyn said the expense of maintaining bases that are excess to strategic and mission requirements would force the department to cut spending on forces, training and modernization.

The department needs to close installations not only in the United States, for which it needs congressional approval, but also overseas, where it doesn’t, she said.

“The department’s request for additional rounds of BRAC comes at a time when we are looking aggressively at where we can close bases overseas—particularly in Europe,” Robyn said. The department already has made significant cuts in Europe, turning over more than 100 sites to host nations since 2003, she said. By fiscal 2015, the Army is expected to close another 23 European sites, she added.

Still, Robyn said, the department “can do more to consolidate our infrastructure with the goal of reducing long-term costs while still supporting our operational requirements and strategic commitments.”

To do that, Robyn said, the department can reduce the number of “discrete” installation sites in Europe from more than 300 to about 200 -- those which currently house most activities -- and eliminate excess support infrastructure such as warehouses, administrative space and housing.

While acknowledging that BRAC closures are painful, Robyn said they “have left our military far better prepared to take on changing strategic challenges than it would have been had Congress and the department not had the courage to undertake them.”

While the department retains some authority to close and downsize installations, Robyn said, BRAC is a better process, allowing for more community support.

The department spends about $40 billion annually on building construction, sustainment and recapitalization, Robyn said, and an additional $15 billion on support programs ranging from air traffic control to payroll to religious and recreational services. “Wecannot afford to maintain excess capacity,” she said.

In 2004, the department had 24 percent excess capacity relative to its force structure plans, Robyn said. The 2005 BRAC eliminated only about 3 percent of the department’s capacity, as it was designed mostly to reconfigure excess space, rather than close it, because the military was in a growth stage, she said.

While some have criticized the 2005 BRAC as unexpectedly expensive at $35.1 billion, the savings also exceeded that of any other BRAC round, at $4 billion each year, Robyn said.

Robyn asked that Congress move quickly to approve the BRAC rounds.

“While some may view our request for a round in 2013 as aggressive, the magnitude of the cuts we are making in force structure means we simply can’t wait,” she said. “Leading U.S. corporations retain their vitality and market position by being able to adapt quickly to changed circumstances, and the U.S. military is no different.”

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.”

Truman Sailors Attend Women's Personal, Professional Growth Symposium

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leona Mynes, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Female Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) attended a women's personal and professional growth symposium aboard the ship's auxiliary barge March 7.

The symposium, hosted by senior female leadership, addressed career obstacles female Sailors may face and introduced available resources.

"We want female Sailors to know they can accomplish anything," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Maria Fernandez, the leading chief petty officer of Truman's medical department. "A successful Navy career and having a family is possible, and it has been done throughout the Navy's history."

Fernandez and other female leadership spoke about experiences with families, pregnancies, marriages, barriers they faced when they entered the Navy, and how female Sailors can care for families and foster a strong career with planning.

"When I entered the Navy, it was a different environment for females," said Fernandez. "We want the female Sailors to be aware of things that have changed since then and all of the career opportunities for junior Sailors."

Fernandez said female Sailors can take advantage of several programs that were not established when she was a junior Sailor, including the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, family care plans, and education and special duty assignments.

Navy resources and a base of experienced female senior leadership aboard Truman give female junior Sailors several opportunities to receive assistance when making life decisions, said Fernandez.

"What affects one Sailor affects us across the board," said Fernandez. "We want to give each female the tools they need to overcome obstacles we have dealt with in our past."

For Logistics Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Bilikiss Blambert, a supply liaison for the aircraft intermediate maintenance department, the symposium was eye-opening.

"I think that in a comfortable, less formal setting like this, people can absorb and use the information well," said Blambert, who has been in the Navy for 13 years. "In my experience, junior and senior personnel are more apt to be productive if they can trust the people they work with or for."

Senior leadership is accepting of junior Sailors talking about and seeking assistance for personal issues, which helps Sailors with morale and readiness, said Blambert.

"When we're at work we are all about the mission, but at the end of the day, family is what ties it all together," said Blambert. "Knowing we can come to our chain of command with family matters reinforces that Sailors are a family away from home."

Blambert appreciated how positive intrusive leadership considers all facets of a Sailor's life.

"They're able to open their arms to us," said Blambert. "Knowing that senior leadership aboard Truman is open to giving junior female Sailors support speaks highly of the strong women who serve in the Navy."

Truman is undergoing a docking planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.