Service members assist Japan relief efforts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AFNS) --  Following the March 11 disasters in Japan, service members from here have pitched in to help.

Master Sgt. Augustine Circello III, from the 773rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, said initial support was difficult due to communication problems.

"Trying to coordinate with all the different internal functions and sister services to move the supplies around was hard at first," he said. "In the beginning, everything was moving 100 miles per hour and chaotic. We now have a streamlined process and can move equipment around Japan quickly and efficiently."

Circello said he can see progress being made in Japan, it part due to the efforts of his team.

"Initially, we delivered thousands of pounds of life-sustaining supplies, like blankets, water and rations, to displaced victims," he said. "We have also aided other bases when they needed it. Misawa Air Base's electricity was inoperable, and (the base) was living off of generators.

"We delivered supplies, generators, fuel and rations to sustain them," he said. "As soon as requirements are sent, our team is working feverishly to complete it so we can sustain civilian life and military operations."

The service members, he continued, are "embedded in almost every facet of the operation."

"From the airlift we have available to deliver (humanitarian assistance/disaster relief), to the vehicle operators driving the 24-hour shuttle busses, (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) members are playing a significant role supporting not only the deployed members but displaced victims as well," he said.

Circello said the one feat that has impressed him the most is the reopening of Sendai International Airport.

"That airport was devastated," he said. "The military members deployed there with minimal equipment and have returned it to a fully operational airport, which will soon be open to commercial airlift once again."