Marines, Japanese counterparts work to restore Sendai Airport

SENDAI AIRPORT, AICHI, JAPAN

03.30.2011

Story by Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr. 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

SENDAI AIRPORT, Japan – A few weeks ago, the third floor terminal of the Sendai International Airport was bustling with business. Now, nearly three weeks after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the area, it has become home for hundreds of service members working to clear debris and restore the airport as part of Operation Tomodachi.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native Petty Officer 2nd Class Alonzo Fuller has been here for a little more than a week and says he sees improvement on the restoration daily.

“The service members are doing a great job fixing this place up,” he said. “When I got here, it looked like hell.”

Marines, sailors and soldiers assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s Logistics Support Element, are working around the clock to repair the destroyed airport, but according to Shelbyville, Ky., native Lance Cpl. Mitchell Taylor, progress is steady.

“You would be amazed at how this placed looked when we got here,” said the supply clerk with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 35. “We had to remove parts of houses that were wrapped around the pillars here – it was horrible.”

Col. Jim Rubino, commanding officer for CLR-35 and the LSE, said the work being done here by U.S. service members and their Japanese counterparts is extremely important.

“We are working closely with the [Japan Self-Defense Force] to provide relief to the families of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

“We are partners in peace and partners during a crisis such as this,” he said.

Right now, the airport is being used by military aircraft delivering relief supplies and is not ready for commercial traffic. However, it is estimated to be reopened soon.

For more news, photos and videos of relief efforts in Japan, visit www.facebook.com/iiimef.mcbj.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2011
• Date Posted: 03.30.2011 04:08
• Story ID: 67959
• Location: SENDAI AIRPORT, AICHI, JP