Commander visits Japan earthquake relief team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Pierce
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIIGATA, Japan (AFPN) --  Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan commander, visited with an earthquake relief team July 21 comprised of Navy Seabees and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members.  The team was working in the Niigata Prefecture, an area hit by an earthquake July 16.

During the trip the general commended the effort of the Seabees and JGSDF members on setting up 79 air conditioning units for Japanese citizens affected by the earthquake in Niigata.

"We worked closely and effectively with the self-defense force to fulfill a small, but unique requirement," said General Wright. "We were able to respond quickly with supplies and personnel to fulfill a U.S. government commitment to the government of Japan because of the great standing relationship and interoperability we have with the Japanese military."

The Seabees, assigned to Navy Facility Atsugi public works department, and the JGSDF members built wooden stands for the air conditioning units. The stands were built for 21 community centers around Niigata Prefecture.

"The government of Japan has provided tremendous support to help get the job done," said Maj. Rodney Harris, USFJ joint engineer staff officer. "We mobilized immediately and really put forth the effort to get the work done."

The relief mission also gave military members from both countries a chance to learn techniques they use in their respective trades.

"This mission was a great learning experience," said Navy Construction Electricians Mate 2nd class Boneyreva Formeran, site electrician. "I learned a lot about how the JGSDF conducted their operations and they were able to quickly adapt to our procedures as well."

The operation was also a life experience.

"It was an amazing feeling seeing the gratefulness in the eyes of those we assisted," said CE2 Formeran. "Every time we went out to a site we were constantly thanked and greeted with honor."

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