JFLCC Transfer of Authority

Photo By Sgt. April de Armas | Marine Col. Craig Q. Timberlake, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Forces Brigade and Forward Command Element of U. S. Forces Command Element Brigade, speaks at the Transfer of Responsibility ceremony here, Thursday. The III MEF was one of the first responders to assist with relief efforts after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.  

FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN

04.07.2011

Story by Spc. April de Armas 

U.S. Army Japan

CAMP SENDAI, Japan – III Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) transferred authority of Joint Force Land Component Command to U.S. Army Command Japan, April 7. USARJ is now in charge of the military reconstruction phase of Operation Tomadochi in the Tohoku region following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The natural disaster severely damaged the Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City and surrounding communities. The III MEF was one of the first responders on scene offering assistance.

“We arrived on March 13 and have been offering assistance in every way possible to the Japanese through their Ground Self Defense Force,” Marine Col. Craig Q. Timberlake, commander of III MEF Brigade and Forward Command Element of U. S. Forces Command Element Brigade, said.

Work was first started to clear the Sendai Airport to allow planes, helicopters and other aircraft accessibility to the hardest hit areas.

“This operation was and is a joint effort by all the military services to help the communities involved and the Northeast Army to rebuild after such a disaster.” said Timberlake. “The Air Force Special Ground Operations out of Hawaii were key in helping to get the airport clear and operational in less than five days.”

The III MEF has been tasked to move forward to reposition a new expeditionary brigade and are handing the next phase of reconstruction operation to USARJ.

“Today I am saddened by the fact that we have to leave to reposition a new expeditionary brigade and have not done more,” said Timberlake. “However, my spirits are lifted because I happen to know that USARJ is here now and they will carry on with the Japanese people, who have become our friends and allies and I am convinced that as we moved forward, we will become greater friends and allies.”

Lt. Gen. Eiji Kimikuza, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Northeast Army and Joint Task Force Tohoku commander commented that he was full of conflicting emotions as the III MEF was leaving but, happy that USARJ would be here as the reconstruction continued.

“This country suffered a great loss with the earthquake and tsunami,” said Kimikuza. “The U. S. was the first to respond and they provided relief as well as life support and now we can even see signs of reconstruction.”

Both Kimikuza and Timberlake agree the U. S. and Japan have built a strong relationship over the past 50 years.

“This disaster has united our forces once again and our cooperation will strengthen our relationship,” said Kimikuza.

• Date Taken: 04.07.2011
• Date Posted: 04.08.2011 21:48
• Story ID: 68476
• Location: FUKUSHIMA, JP