Page 3 - Forward Command Element News Today

After the disaster, the islanders had no power, running water, nor heat, although temperatures were often below freezing. The school swimming pool was being used for drinking water until the Marines landed with water, as well as hot showers and heavy equipment to move hundreds of tons of debris. As Marines moved debris, they also searched for family valuables or heirlooms amongst the destroyed houses, collecting what they could and setting them aside in case they could be claimed. In all, more ...

Mar 8, 2021 The Great East Japan Earthquake was like yesterday for me. I was privileged at the time ten years ago to have been a part of the U.S. military response to the disaster known as Operation Tomodachi. I have also been lucky enough to continue to be involved with the affected area ever since, recently completing my 15th trip there. These trips have been to both assist in the recovery process ( fukkō) as well as to help prevent the fading away ( fūka) of the lessons learned in...