As one of the United States' closest allies in the Far East, Japan hosts a number of United States military bases. Over 40,000 military dependents call Japan home. So, when a massive earthquake and resulting tsunami struck the Japanese island of Honshu, it was no surprise that the U.S. responded.
More than two weeks after the disaster, the U.S. still has 19 Navy ships, 140 aircraft (both fixed wing and helicopters) and around 19,000 troops devoted to the relief effort. The amphibious craft are landing supplies in areas that cannot be reached by road or ship. Helicopters are delivering supplies to refugees isolated by damage to roads, bridges and other transportation.
Individual members of the U.S. military, and their units, assist in humanitarian aid programs on a daily basis throughout the world. It is not an uncommon practice for all Western militaries. When a major natural disaster strikes, however, few other nations can call upon the resources that the United States can.
Monsoon Flooding in Pakistan -- July to December 2010
In late July 2010, the annual monsoon rains came to Pakistan. The rainfall was unexpectedly heavy and prolonged and serious flooding developed. Flash floods tore through the hills of northern Pakistan. That water ran south and into the Indus River which then overflowed its banks. More than 18 million Pakistanis were affected by the flooding which continued for months. Much of the country's harvest for the winter was destroyed.
The United States military began providing assistance by Aug. 3, 2010. Helicopters based in Afghanistan were among the first units sent. The Air Force began flying humanitarian assistance to Pakistan as well.
As the need increased, the USS Peleliu and the Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit anchored offshore and began using their aviation assets, 19 helicopters, for rescue and relief missions. As time passed, Army Aviation assets from Alaska arrived, and USS Kearsarge and its Marines relieved the Peleliu. By the end of October, the U.S. military had delivered over 20 million pounds of relief supplies and rescued thousands of Pakistanis.
Haitian Earthquake -- Jan. 12, 2010
Haiti is among the poorest nations in the world. After its capital region was hit by a large earthquake on January 12, 2010, the government was unable to function. Its buildings lay in ruins. Thousands of Haitians were dead. Roads were blocked by rubble or landslides.
The United States sent its military to the rescue. Within hours, Coast Guard ships were anchored off the capital of Port-au-Prince. Within 24 hours, Air Commandos of the U.S. Air Force had assumed control of the tiny international airport and begun air traffic control operations. The response kept coming.
The 82nd Airborne sent a brigade of troops. Amphibious ships and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived. The hospital ship Comfort arrived. The aircraft carrier Carl Vinson steamed south at flank speed. By the end of the mission, over 22,000 U.S. troops, 33 ships and hundreds of aircraft had been a part of the effort.
South Asia / Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami -- Dec. 26, 2004
One of the largest disasters in recorded history took place on the day after Christmas, Boxing Day, in 2004. A huge undersea earthquake followed by a tsunami struck Indonesia. The tsunami would continue across the Indian Ocean, causing deaths and destruction as far away as India and Africa.
Within hours, the United States military began to react. Survey aircraft were sent from bases in Japan (the same bases now assisting in the Japanese disaster). The Seventh Fleet dispatched both the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. Eight pre-positioning ships with supplies and fresh water were sent. Air Force cargo planes began to fly in personnel and supplies.
The Indonesian tsunami relief effort involved over 16,000 military personnel, 26 ships, and over 100 aircraft of all types.
The Japanese earthquake and tsunami is once again demonstrating the ability of the United States military to render assistance after a natural disaster. It is not the first time and will not be the last. America's military continues to be a force for good in the world.
Upstate New York resident Charles Simmins brings 30 years of accounting and finance experience and a keen interest in military affairs to the news of the day. His years of experience working with the personnel of the Secretary of Defense's New Media activity on Bloggers' Roundtables provide insights often overlooked by other reporters.
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