Military Sealift Command Ship Support Unit Japan Remembers Victims, Families, Friends

Photo By Leslie Hull-Ryde | Flags fly at half mast as Military Sealift Command, Yokohama North Dock, and civilian personnel gathered on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake that killed thousands of people and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure in Japan’s Tohoku region. (Courtesy photo)  

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

03.19.2021

Courtesy Story

Military Sealift Command Far East

Military Sealift Command, Yokohama North Dock and civilian personnel gathered on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake that killed thousands of people and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure in Japan’s Tohoku region.

“We wanted to host a special event to offer a memorial tribute to the victims, their families and friends as well as recognize the recovery partnerships such as Operation Tomodachi and to acknowledge the strong alliance between the nations of Japan and the United States,” said Ray Denny, logistics officer for Military Sealift Command Ship Support Unit Japan, who organized the event.

The earthquake resulted in a tsunami that compromised a nuclear power plant. These combined events claimed the lives of nearly 16,000 people, injured more than 6,000 and left almost 2,600 people missing.

Denny was stationed at Navy Supply Systems Command’s Fleet Industrial and Supply Yokosuka, Japan, at the time.

“We offer the community’s deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the disaster as well to their bereaved families,” he said.

“Those of us in Japan at the time of the disaster reflect on the day buildings shook, as the ground trembled below our feet and how so many bravely journeyed back to their homes and families, so as far as 40 kilometers with reduced public transportation, fearing what was to come.”

“In the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy, the resilience of the Japanese people inspired the international community to assist with the recovery and help Japan build the foundation for a stronger future,” Denny added.

Combined search, rescue and recovery operations between Japan and the United States were dubbed Operation Tomodachi.

“Americans are proud to have supported Japan in the aftermath of the March 11 disaster,” said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in a statement, released on the day of the anniversary.

“At the peak of Operation Tomodachi, the United States had 24,000 personnel, 190 aircraft, and 24 Navy ships supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts – a reflection of our enduring commitment to and bond with the people of Japan.”

Participants adhered to all COVID-19 safety protocols during MSC SSU Japan’s observance, which included a combined Color Guard. Members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and officers and enlisted Sailors from the ship support unit lowered the flag to half-mast at the exact time the earthquake hit a decade earlier. Members of the U.S. Army Garrison and the Japan Fire and Security Departments sounded sirens and flashed emergency vehicle lights as part of a coordinated, community-wide tribute.

• Date Taken: 03.19.2021
• Date Posted: 03.22.2021 05:36
• Story ID: 391809
• Location: YOKOHAMA, JP