Yokota AB Airmen tackle Herculean airlift missions into Sendai

  • Published
  • By Airman John Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Over the past two weeks, Sendai Airport has served as a critical relay point for relief efforts throughout northeastern Japan, and the Airmen of the 36th Airlift Squadron are working to ensure that the airport stays open for business.

Since the incapacitated airport reopened to air traffic, 36th AS members have flown several missions carrying personnel, fuel and relief supplies into Sendai.

"We are very proud to help out in this mission -- Japan has asked us to help, and we're glad to chip in," said Lt Col Tim Rapp, 36th AS commander.

On March 27, C-130 Hercules aircrews from the 36th AS transported approximately 49 tons of cargo and 30,000 pounds of diesel fuel to the airport.

For the aircrews making the trip, these delivery missions represent their continued dedication to on-going relief efforts throughout Japan.

"The forces helping in Sendai definitely need the supplies," said Staff Sgt. Keo Khamone, a 36th AS loadmaster. "It really is making a difference out there."

Due to the airport's location in the middle of the disaster area, having Yokota AB's C-130's deliver relief supplies directly into Sendai decreases delays in distribution and in turn helps countless Japanese citizens living in temporary shelters, officials said.

"We live in Japan," said Staff Sergeant Joshua Plant, a C-130 flight engineer from the 36th AS. "It's good to do something for the people we live with."

While the road to Japan's recovery is undoubted long and difficult, the Airmen of the 36th AS know that they are playing a key role in relief efforts.

"It's good to know that all the long hours people are putting in at Yokota are going towards making a difference in Japan," said Sergeant Khamone.