1st MAW aircraft carry cargo through elements

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.23.2011

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ASTUGI, Okinawa, Japan - KC-130 cargo aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152), Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, delivered 16,500 pounds of humanitarian aid/disaster relief supplies in nine sorties to airfields throughout Japan, March 22 during freezing temperatures.

VMGR-152 provides a critical lift capability for the Marine Corps and has demonstrated its endurance during Operation Tomodachi in support of the Government of Japan and the relief effort after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, March 11.

To date, the squadron has flown 173 sorties, moving humanitarian assistance supplies from Okinawa to Honshu and between six airfields on mainland Japan. VMGR-152 has transported a total of 90 thousand pounds of relief supplies to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force distribution centers to be given to Japanese citizens affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

The name Tomodachi means “friends” in Japanese, and was chosen by Japan. The Government of Japan is taking the lead on all relief efforts, and the U.S. military is providing aid and support as requested by Japan.

For more stories, photos, videos and information about the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations being conducted by III MEF, please follow us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iiimef.mcbj
Flickr: www.flickr.com/3mefpao
Marines.mil: www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan

• Date Taken: 03.23.2011
• Date Posted: 03.23.2011 06:34
• Story ID: 67579
• Location: NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, OKINAWA, JP