MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines and sailors from Okinawa arrived here between Saturday and Sunday in a variety of aircraft including KC-130s, CH- 46s and CH-60s for Operation Tomodachi.
The aircraft sent from Okinawa are on a mission to provide humanitarian aid.
Japan’s largest earthquake recorded in approximately 90 years registered at 8.9 and generated a tsunami that devastated northern Japan.
The helicopters and crew will assist in the search-and-rescue efforts.
Marines and sailors arrived here throughout out Saturday and Sunday from Okinawa, to give northern Japan support and relief in the wake of disaster.
On Sunday, some Marines and sailors boarded KC-130s and headed for their temporary destination, Atsugi, Japan.
Some of the Marines and sailors remaining on station are here in case the aircraft are in need of repair after arriving or before departure.
The service members sent to northern Japan to help with support and relief have much to do.
When the tsunami hit northern Japan, 23-foot waves wiped away homes and ruined towns.
Service members of all branches are aiding the Japanese in the massive relief effort.
U.S. Armed Forces are attempting to provide as many supplies as possible to help with support.
The station is serving as a logistics and re-supply hub, but is prepared for all other emergencies, according to news release number 005-11 Update on Operation Tomodachi.
With aircraft continuously arriving and departing here, the station remains active, and Marines and sailors do their best to help alleviate the current situation in northern Japan.