3/17/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of State officials authorized the voluntary departure, including relocation to safe areas within Japan, for family members and dependents of U.S. government officials who wish to leave Northeast Japan.
U.S. government officials are also working to facilitate the departure of private American citizens from the affected areas (50 mile radius of the Fukushima reactor). A travel warning containing detailed information has been issued and is available at www.travel.state.gov.
U.S. forces remain in Japan, and the U.S. has full capability to fulfill alliance commitments to defend Japan and maintain peace and security in the region, officials said.
The Department of Defense will implement the DOS-approved voluntary departure for eligible DOD dependents, the officials announced.
As with DOS dependents, these measures are temporary, and dependents will return when the situation is resolved, they said. Eligible DOD dependents will be given travel instructions by their local commands.
(Courtesy of the U.S. Department of State)
Comments
3/18/2011 12:36:39 PM ET In ref to comment from Grace Goss, thank you for mentioning pets along with evacuation of family members. Sometimes people need to be reminded pets are family also. Especially in times of disaster people tend to forget about their pets. Please remember your pets are part of the family.
Trupti, AF
3/17/2011 7:35:40 PM ET All I ask is that you supply enough planes to get all the dependents of our armed servicemen and women home if they wish to do so. Please accommodate all dependents and pets.
