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by Cpl. Bryan Peterson
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
USS TORTUGA, Japan — In 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck Japan near Kobe, causing nearly 6,000 deaths, more than 400,000 injuries and an estimated $200 billion in damage.
In the wake of the disaster, Government of Japanese officials determined that more lives could have been saved in the immediate aftermath of the quake with a more comprehensive disaster plan in place.
This year, for the second year in a row, the U.S. military got involved when Marines and Sailors participated in a disaster relief drill in Tokyo at the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Sept. 1, Marines from Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji and Sailors from USS Tortuga demonstrated to Tokyo officials how the Navy-Marine Corps team conducts a noncombatant evacuation operation and how such an operation can be used for disaster response.
A NEO is designed to quickly evacuate noncombatants from areas endangered by war, civil unrest or a natural disaster using ships, aircraft and beach landing craft.
The drill showed Tokyo officials how much of an asset the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps can be during a time of crisis, said John P. Niemeyer, the Japan Liaison Office political and civil affairs adviser to the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Japan.
"If the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' help is requested by the Tokyo government in the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami or typhoon, we will help," he said. "It all depends on how much of a role they need from us and where they need us."
Last year, Sailors with USS Gary were the only U.S. military personnel to participate in the drill. This is the first year Marines participated.
"Marines are people who give their all in anything they do," said Rear Adm. James D. Kelley, commander of U.S. Naval Forces. "Marines are known for participating in NEOs (non-combatant evacuation operation) worldwide. It was important to have the Marines here this year because with them, we can deliver a lot more capability."
Kelley also said the U.S. involvement is important because it is necessary for neighbors to help each other during times of crisis.
"If the roads, bridges and trains are damaged, and the tunnels are caved in, there's no (ground) transportation," Kelley said. "The only (rescuing) capabilities will come from the sea, and in case of any natural disaster, we are here to help and we will help if needed."
During the exercise, Marines and Sailors aboard Tortuga responded to a call to rescue 60 stranded citizens at Kasai Kaihin Park in Tokyo after a simulated earthquake.
Within 45 minutes, U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines arrived on shore to evacuate the residents using a U.S. Navy hovercraft, capable of traveling over water and land, to safely transport them to the ship.
"Our presence here can be beneficial after natural disasters," said Maj. Shaun T. Fitzpatrick, Marine liaison officer to the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan. "We not only participated to build on an already strong U.S-Japanese relationship, but also to show the people here that (our jobs aren't just aimed at) armed conflicts, but also humanitarian assistance."
Hideyuji Ramikura, a Tokyo resident who participated in the drill, was impressed with the demonstration. He has studied U.S. military history, specifically the Marine Corps.
"I know from what I studied that if Marines run into a wall, they will climb it because they don't give up," he said. "From what I saw today, Tokyo citizens can definitely depend on these guys."
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2007 19:58 |
| Story ID: | 12355 |
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| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 15 |
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