DOS officials authorize voluntary departure of dependents from Japan Published March 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)