Japan Earthquake: Freedom wing sends experts to assist with relief planning

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffrie
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Two Air Force Reserve airlift planners departed for Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 20 to help with relief efforts for the victims of the March 11 massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami as part of Operation Tomodachi.

Operation Tomodachi, which means "friendship", was coined by Japanese officials and is a non-combative, humanitarian operation. The United States is among several nations to extend military and civil aid to Japan.

Maj. Robert Devlin, a former C-130 navigator and Maj. John Koenig, a former C-141 pilot, both assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Operation Squadron here, joined other airlift planners with the lead agency, 613th Air and Space Operations Center, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, to plan and execute relief airlift missions along the northeastern coast of Japan.

The center supports operations in the Asia-Pacific region and serves as the nerve center of air operations during any campaign.

The month-long deployment is one that both planners say is a great opportunity.

"It's a blessing to help other people who are experiencing very desperate times," said Major Koenig.

Japanese officials report the death toll is expected to surpass 10,000, with more than 12,000 unaccounted for and millions now in need of food, water, housing and other basic human needs as a result of the natural disaster.

Those wanting to donate to the humanitarian and disaster relief operations with donations can contact The American Red Cross.