MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Iwakuni city presented the station’s commanding officer with a letter of appreciation for the station’s contribution to Operation Tomodachi at the Iwakuni cityhall June 13.
Yoshihiko Fukuda, Iwakuni city mayor, presented the letter of appreciation to Col. James C. Stewart, station commanding officer, on behalf of the city. Operation Tomodachi was the joint humanitarian relief effort conducted by the U.S. and Japanese government to help the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake, tsunami and subsequent aftershocks that struck the northern region of Japan March 11.
“The commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni played a big role in leading Operation Tomodachi here,” said Fukuda through a translator. “We greatly appreciate what he did, and that is why I gave this letter of appreciation to him on behalf of the citizens of Iwakuni. This type of daily communication between the base and the city will deepen the bond between the U.S. and Japan.”
Fukuda visited Toshimi Kitazawa, Japan Defense Minister, a few weeks ago to report on Operation Tomodachi.
Fukuda said the defense minister also wished to express his appreciation for Stewart’s leadership and the station’s actions in support of Operation Tomodachi.
The letter of appreciation thanked Stewart for his and the station’s role during Operation Tomodachi and commended him for his dedication to the growing relationship between the station community and the Iwakuni city government.
Stewart said the letter of appreciation is a wonderful tribute to the friendship that has deepend between the U.S. and Japan and stands as a strong testament to the security alliance.
Due to its strategic location and air and sea port capabilities, the station served as a logistical and resupply hub during Operation Tomodachi. Several American and Japanese aerial and sea-faring units from here and around the Pacific Theater conducted daily missions to northern Japan exporting water, clothes and other supplies to help the afflicted victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
Also, during Operation Tomodachi approximately 300 station residents gathered more than 1,900 boxes filled with donations from the local residents weighing more than 11,200 pounds.
Stewart said it is because of the relationship and combined efforts of the U.S. and Japanese community, militaries and government that the station can provide the support it does.
Operation Tomodachi officially ended June 1.