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    VMGR-152 transports personnel, moves cargo in support of Operation Tomodachi

    VMGR-152 transports pax, moves cargo in support of Operation Tomodachi

    Photo By Sgt. Brandon Saunders | Lance Cpl. Jonathon A. Abel, C-130 air framer with Marine Aerial Refeuler Transport...... read more read more

    IWAKUNI, AICHI, JAPAN

    03.31.2011

    Story by Cpl. Brandon Saunders 

    III Marine Expeditionary Force   

    MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Aviation Command Element, continues to support Operation Tomodachi by transporting passengers assisting with the operation and much needed relief supplies to the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami throughout mainland Japan here March 31.

    In response to Government of Japan requests for assistance, the Marines and sailors of III Marine Expeditionary Force are conducting various missions to contribute to the disaster relief effort. Tomodachi means “friendship” in Japanese and the operation is a reflection of the long-standing alliance between U.S. and Japan.

    March 12, the day after the earthquake and tsunami damaged the coastline of Miyagi Prefecture; VMGR-152 received an official request for their squadron to assist in the relief effort. In 48 hours, four KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to MCAS Iwakuni ready to support the mission.

    Maj. Jason D. Kindred, executive officer of VMGR-152 said, “We fly missions everyday to support III MEF’s mission in this operation. We often fly from here to Sendai and also to the Matsushima airfield.”

    VMGR-152 allows their Japanese counterparts of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to utilize squadron assets, capability and equipment in support of Operation Tomodachi.

    “We live with the Japanese,” said Kindred. “During this time of extreme challenges, it is important that we provide our services to them.”

    Boxes of food, water and other cargo are transported to key areas throughout mainland Japan in large quantities in support of the operation. A KC-130J cargo aircraft can carry a maximum normal payload of 34,000 pounds, which is one of the largest cargo transport capabilities of the Marine Corps. This means more goods to be transported in an efficient and timely manner.

    Each Marine assigned to the squadron has an individual role that contributes to the aircraft flying safely and to complete the mission successfully.

    “We help to prepare, service and maintain aircraft to be able to accomplish the various missions,” said Staff Sgt. James B. Beier, crew chief with VMGR-152.

    The success of the squadron relies on each Marine assigned to the unit in their respective billets. Their collective effort allows III MEF to provide aid and assistance to the Government in Japan and deliver needed relief supplies to the Japanese citizens in coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Force.

    “We are here to let [the Japanese] know that we’re committed to friendship and cooperation that extends beyond strategic ties,” said Kindred.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.31.2011
    Date Posted: 03.31.2011 11:16
    Story ID: 68040
    Location: IWAKUNI, AICHI, JP

    Web Views: 297
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN