USNS Safeguard depart tsunami-stricken Japanese port

News: USNS Safeguard depart tsunami-stricken Japanese port

Naval Air Facility Misawa

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Story by Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Sanford Follow This Journalist

Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Sanford

Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Crawford, attached to American Forces Network Detachment Misawa, records video footage of the USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50), while standing amidst the city's vast tsunami wreckage. Safeguard is taking part in a port visit to Onagawa after receiving an invitation from the city representatives. While in port, the ship will assist in community service projects and conduct shipboard tours for local school children. Onagawa was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, March 11, which triggered a massive tsunami that swept through the area. Safeguard is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit the area since Operation Tomodachi concluded.

ONAGAWA, Japan – Sailors and civilians aboard USNS Safeguard departed Onagawa after spending days in the tsunami-stricken Japanese city, Nov. 24, 2011.

In response to an invitation from city officials, Safeguard became the first U.S. ship to visit this area since the conclusion of Operation Tomodachi. While in port, the ship welcomed almost 400 local school children aboard for tours, and also delivered donated clothing and blankets to a local school.

The ships crew, comprised of Military Sealift Command personnel and U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, Company 1-7, said they were honored by the invitation and enjoyed interacting with the local populace.

“What got me were the smiles on the children’s faces,” said Frank Watkins, an able-bodied seaman aboard Safeguard. “Seeing them so excited about the ship makes you feel good inside. They’ve been through a lot this past year; I hope they enjoyed the visit.”

Onagawa was greatly impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake, March 11, 2011, which triggered a massive tsunami that devastated the local area. More than nine months after the incident, the city is still struggling to recover. So during the ship’s stay, the crew wanted the children’s visit to be special.

While on board, the kids had the opportunity to check out diving and shipboard firefighting displays, take a tour through the Safeguard-class salvage ship, and enjoy a barbecue on the pier.

“It’s rewarding to see the kids have a good time, and I think our Sailors did a fantastic job in making that happen,” said Senior Chief Navy Diver John Stegall, MDSU 1, Company 1-7 master diver. “All my guys were very caring, very motivated and I was proud to be their master diver today.”

Safeguard previously spent time in Hachinohe, Japan earlier this year, and in the days immediately following the tsunami, helped clear its harbor for ship travel.

Warrant Officer Davin Strang, MDSU 1, Company 1-7 officer in charge, said Safeguard and its crew are always willing to help out if needed.

“I hope the Japanese population understands that they can count on us if they need us,” he said. “After all, helping out is what friends do.”

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