Camp commander, Chatan Town mayor sign evacuation agreement for disaster response

Photo By Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders | Mayor Masaharu Noguni, right, and Col. Katherine J. Estes sign an agreement at the Ocean Breeze here March 11 detailing the standard operating procedures for the Local Implementing Agreement. The LIA allows Camp Foster to open its gates to provide evacuees immediate and direct passage to higher ground or shelter immediately before, during or after a natural disaster. All in attendance observed a moment of silence to remember the victims and reflect upon the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, which struck Japan on this date in 2011. The earthquake and tsunami are among the most destructive natural disasters in Japan’s history. The signing is a critical step to help safeguard the citizens of local communities and reaffirms the commitment of the U.S. to help its neighbors. Noguni is the mayor of Chatan, and Estes is the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, and Camp Foster.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.19.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Chatan Town Mayor Masaharu Noguni and Col. Katherine J. Estes, the Camps Foster and Lester commander, signed an evacuation agreement March 11 at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster.

The agreement allows Okinawa community members to freely pass through Camp Foster to higher ground when seeking shelter or safety in the event of a natural disaster.

The meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives lost during the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, which devastated eastern coastal regions of mainland Japan March 11, 2011. The natural disaster remains one of the most devastating in the country’s history.

“The (events) on mainland made me realize that a tsunami or major earthquake near Okinawa would create a dangerous situation for everyone who lives here,” said Estes.

The magnitude-9.0 quake and subsequent tsunami caused an estimated $235 billion of damage, according to World Bank statistics, classifying it as the most costly natural disaster in recorded history.

The signing of the evacuation agreement was necessary to ensure the safety of everyone around the installation, along with continuing the fruitful relationship between the two nations, according to Estes.

Following the solemn moment of silence, the two officials signed the agreement between Camp Foster and Chatan Town.

“I am sure today’s event will improve the standard operating procedures for evacuation,” said Noguni. “Signing this agreement helps protect Chatan residents from natural disasters by allowing them to use Camp Foster for shelter or passage.”

Providing an open path for evacuation is essential during timely crisis response, according to Noguni. The SOP eliminates doubt and confusion, which can lead to unnecessary risk during a disaster.

“Now that we have an (SOP), we can rest assured there are people who will know what to do if there is ever a natural disaster,” said Noguni.

A similar agreement between Ginowan and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma officials was recently revised. The revision annotated specific procedures for allowing local residents to use the installation for higher ground and shelter during an evacuation.
Continuing to fine-tune the evacuation agreements is a clear demonstration of the level of commitment both countries have regarding safety, according to Estes.

“We’re grateful to be guests (in this country),” said Estes. “Opening our gates during an evacuation is the right thing to do.”

The people of Okinawa understand the depth of the gesture, and remain very appreciative, according to Noguni.

“We thank all of you for your effort,” said Noguni. “We also greatly appreciate your understanding and constant support of our efforts in disaster prevention.”

• Date Taken: 03.19.2014
• Date Posted: 04.21.2014 03:56
• Story ID: 126778
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP