Chief Master Sgt. Robert Rucinski (right) from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, looks on as Airmen from his unit board a bus March 12, 2011, before departing for Misawa AB in northern Japan. More than 50 members of the 18th CES deployed to Misawa to help restore power and basic services there. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Lakisha Croley)

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Lt. Col. James Greene, commander of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, addresses his Airmen before they deployed to Misawa Air Base in northern Japan March 12, 2011. More than 50 members of the 18th CES deployed to Misawa to help restore power and basic services there following a series of earthquakes and tsunami. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Lakisha Croley)

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Okinawa Airmen deploy to support relief on mainland Japan

Published March 13, 2011

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Airmen here are mobilizing to support disaster relief operations following the earthquake and tsunami March 11 that struck mainland Japan.

"We are here to stand beside our Japanese allies following this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "We are working with U.S. Forces Japan headquarters at Yokota to determine what we can do to help."

Five HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, as well as crews from the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons are bound for Yokota Air Base near Tokyo to support search and rescue missions.

Also, more than 100 Airmen from Kadena AB are deploying to mainland Japan to help with search and rescue, provide additional medical capability, and to restore electrical power.

(Courtesy of the 18th Wing Public Affairs Office)

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