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Allied Squadrons Join Forces During US and JMSDF Disaster Relief Drill

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121105-13
11/5/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Adam K. Thomas, Navy Region Japan Public Affairs

KOZU, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense-Force (JMSDF) participated in a joint disaster response drill conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Kozu Island off the southern coast of Japan, Nov. 1.

The "Warlords" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 and JS Yamayuki, Escort Divison 11 combined efforts to deliver humanitarian aid/disaster relief (HADR) supplies to the residents of Kozu Island in response to a simulated 9.1 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

During the drill, the U.S. Navy positioned the Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE-8), loaded with HA/DR supplies, just off the coast of the stricken island where the ship's crew helped load the supplies onto the U.S. Navy and JMSDF helicopters, which were flown to island disaster responders and residents.

"The island of Kozu is relatively isolated, so in the event of a natural disaster, the U.S. Navy and JMSDF need to be ready to provide emergency supplies and help support the people living here, so that's why we're here today," said Wally Schirra's Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Cicchetti. "It's always a great opportunity to work together and improve the teamwork between the U.S. and Japanese military forces."