MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Since the approximately 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, March 11, Harbor Operations has continued to play a supporting role in Operation Tomodachi.
Operation Tomodachi is a joint humanitarian effort implemented by U.S. and Japanese governments to give affected residents supplies and relief.
In immediate response to the disaster, Harbor Operations supported the movement of more than 450 tons of relief supplies on the HSV Express.
The High Speed Vessel WestPac Express is a private ship contracted by the U.S. Navy for rapid deployment of military personnel, supplies and equipment during exercises and operations.
The HSV first arrived here March 16 with humanitarian supplies for the operation.
Since the operation began, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni has hosted Marines and sailors deployed from Okinawa, Japan, to help with humanitarian efforts, supplies, aircraft and the HSV.
In Japan’s time of need, the station has been an essential strategic co-located air and sea port supporting the operation as a logistical and resupply hub.
The station is the only air station in the Honshu Island region with an airfield and a deep sea harbor.
Since Operation Tomodachi began, the tempo has increased in Harbor Operations.
Although other exercises and operations were taking place, Operation Tomodachi took immediate precedence over the others, said Petty Officer 1st Class George D. Payumo, Harbor Operations quartermaster.
With an increased operational tempo, communication and coordination improved.
“(The operation) has helped us to coordinate better with the units,” said Payumo. “We have taken a more active role, looking at the inventories, what and where it’s going, allowing us to know who and what is coming into the harbor,” he added.
Harbor Operations runs its schedules as 12- hour shifts, two shifts per day, seven days a week, but since Operation Tomodachi began, harbor personnel have worked more than normal, picking up shifts when extra workers are needed to help load and unload.
When the HSV Westpac Express returns, Harbor Operations will communicate with the supporting units to help load and unload the vessel.
Harbor Operations works day in and day out to ensure the harbor runs with speed and efficiency.