Task Force Fuji Provides Manpower, Supplies in Disaster Relief Efforts
By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud
Marine Corps Bases Japan
HIGASHI MATSUSHIMA, MIYAGI, Japan - A convoy of Marines and sailors with Task Force Fuji, Joint Support Forces Japan, alongside Japan Self-Defense Force members delivered 15 barrels of diesel fuel to a supply distribution point here March 30.
"(The JSDF) linked us up with some people in need of fuel, and we delivered it," said Sgt. Andrew Berrett, traffic management chief, Task Force Fuji. "It’s always a joint force thing; it’s always hand-in-hand."
Task Force Fuji has worked closely with the JSDF since the earthquake and tsunami to identify locations in need of aid and supplies and to deliver that support.
"We meet with them every evening to set up missions for the next day," said 2nd Lt. Breanne Hapkin, S-4, Task Force Fuji. "They write down what needs are out there, and we provide those services."
The task force of Marines and sailors started humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at Sendai Airport, working with U.S. Army personnel to reopen the damaged facility, according to Hapkin.
"We were the first ones on deck to come out here and clean up. We started with the airfield runways," said Barrett. "We cleaned it up, and now, there are flights coming in and out."
While the airport is not available for commercial traffic, it has been reopened for resupply flights landing here, expanding the mission of Task Force Fuji to include new duties.
"Everyday we’ve been delivering supplies, humanitarian kits and fuel to all sorts of locations," said Hapkin.
Kerosene and diesel fuel have been in high demand, adding urgency to the mission.
"(Fuel is) one of the resources that’s been hit very hard out here," said Hapkin. "You drive through any city, and lines for any fuel are down the street as far as you can see."
The Higashi Matsushima City Hall where the convoy dropped off the diesel fuel was doubling as a distribution point for an area that has seen a large influx of displaced persons following the disaster.
"Our escort said that they had about 9,000 evacuees staying in the area," said Hapkin. "Every day, (the evacuees) have been going back and working on repairing their homes, and they’ve been starting to move back."
As progress in repairing the damage wrought by the earthquake and tsunami begins to become more evident, the Marines and sailors of Task Force Fuji can begin to appreciate the fruits of their efforts working beside their Japanese allies.
"A lot of these Marines don’t get the opportunity to get out and use their gear and their training, so getting out and participating in the humanitarian effort is great for them," said Barrett. "Pretty much, all of them are volunteers."
This article was originally published at: http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan/Pages/2011/110401-fuel.aspx
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