Marines learn from JSDF disaster relief exercise

Photo By Sgt. Gerardo Cano | Observers from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and members form the Japan Self-Defense Force discuss Remote Island Disaster Exercise training at Yaeyama Islands, Japan, Sept. 1, 2019. RIDEX is a disaster drill exercise, implemented to maintain and enhance capabilities to ensure JSDF's smooth humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations against sudden large scale disasters in remote regions and to enhance interoperability between Japanese local and government organizations. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Cano)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.31.2019

Story by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Cano 

1st Marine Aircraft Wing   

Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing observed Japan Self-Defense Force and local government entities as they conducted a Remote Island Disaster Exercise at the Yaeyama Islands, Japan on Sept. 1, 2019.

RIDEX is a disaster drill exercise, implemented to maintain and enhance JSDF humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities against sudden, large-scale disasters in remote regions, and to enhance the interoperability between local Japanese government organizations.

“The JSDF knows what it takes to operate in the Ryukyu Islands chain better than anyone else on Earth,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Graham, 1st MAW’s future plans officer. “Our ability to support disaster relief in isolated tropical locations will only improve by watching and learning from their expertise.”

This year marked the sixth iteration of RIDEX, annually conducted by components of the JSDF alongside many other local government organizations including the Japan Disaster Relief Team, local firefighters, medical teams and police forces. Several realistic training events were conducted to better prepare the team for real-world scenarios. Training events included excavating a vehicle out of the ground, using the Jaws of Life to pull someone out of a vehicle wreck, medical evacuation, water purification and air reconnaissance.

The probability of an earthquake hitting Okinawa is more common than some people think. Earthquakes take place within the Ryukyu island area each week. Although these earthquakes are relatively weak in strength, these may cause tsunamis and other disasters leading to stronger earthquakes. The likelihood of sudden disasters hitting this remote region further highlights the importance of the relationship between the U.S. military and the JSDF critical in maintaining stability in this region.

“Working together, the JSDF and U.S. Marine Corps are a powerful team that can defend our allies and help provide humanitarian relief across the Pacific,” added Graham. “Observing the JSDF conduct this sort of training helps us to understand the requirements for these types of expeditionary relief operations.”

The event served as an opportunity for 1st MAW Marines to observe the JSDF and otherJapanese organizations during RIDEX disaster drills. The Marine Corps look forward to future partnering during similar disaster drills and supporting our Japanese partners and allies during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

• Date Taken: 08.31.2019
• Date Posted: 09.16.2019 21:34
• Story ID: 341050
• Location: OKINAWA, JP