Marine Corps Conducts Emergency Actions in Wake of Earthquake and Tsunami

OKINAWA, AICHI, JAPAN

03.12.2011

Story by 1st Lt. Lucas Burke 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan - Marines and sailors stood up an emergency operations center to facilitate the evacuation of U.S. service members living in low-lying areas around Okinawa, March 11.

In response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that started a tsunami off the coast of mainland Japan, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general and Marine Corps Bases Japan commander, Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., ordered 100 percent accountability of all Marines, sailors and civilians assigned to Marine Forces Japan.

Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler commanding general, coordinated emergency actions aboard Marine Corps installations throughout Japan.

Additionally, a tsunami advisory issued by the Japanese Meteorological Agency triggered an evacuation of U.S. service members living in low-lying areas around Okinawa. At 10 p.m. local time (8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time), service members who were evacuated were allowed to move back to their residences.

There have been no reports of damage to Marine Corps facilities throughout Japan, and there has been 100 percent accountability of all personnel.

We will continue to monitor the tsunami, coordinate with other U.S. forces on Okinawa, and take action to ensure the safety of military personnel, family members, civilian employees and contractors. III MEF stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance, as directed by the U.S. government.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2011
• Date Posted: 03.11.2011 12:50
• Story ID: 66865
• Location: OKINAWA, AICHI, JP