The name of the operation, Tomodachi, means “friends” in Japanese, and was chosen by Japan.

The 3rd Marine Division, III MEF (Forward) was designated as the Joint Forces Land Component Command for Operation Tomodachi after III MEF was designated as a Joint Task Force, said JFLCC Chief of Staff Col. Steve Lewallen.

The JFLCC is responsible for synchronizing actions on the ground and coordinating for the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan.

Within 24 hours of the devastating tsunami on March 11, III MEF Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams were deployed to mainland Japan to assess damage in affected areas and provide assistance, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Parker, JFLCC logistics officer.

“We have done this through close coordination with the Japanese Defense Force, I Corps (Forward), 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the supporting components under the Joint Task Force,” said Lewallen. “The Marines and sailors are performing brilliantly. We deployed a forward command and control capability from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within 24 hours of notification and assumed responsibilities as the JFLCC the day we arrived.”

In 24 hours, the Marines of III MEF (Fwd) had the JFLCC at full operational capability, Lewallen said. This was only possible because they were well trained, willing and extremely proud to be supporting the great people of Japan.

HADR are logistically heavy operations, Parker added. Airfields heavily damaged from the tsunami prevented aircraft, such as C-130s from landing, crippling HADR operations. Joint task force teams conducted surveys of the airfields to assist in efforts to make them C-130 capable, alleviating having to rely solely on CH-46 helicopters.

“Attempting to quickly develop a concept of logistics to get and for us to respond takes amazing coordinating efforts,” said Parker. “We came here and hit the ground running.”

A forward area refueling point was established at Yamagata Airfield just five days after the disaster, allowing ground vehicles and aircraft to refuel when delivering supplies to Sendai, one of the hardest hit regions.

“The coordinating efforts of the joint task force teams have been amazing,” Parker said. “This is the first time I’ve seen assets fall out of the air. When anything needs to get moved, the Marine Corps aircraft units are responding in 24 hours or less.”

Yokota Air Base has served as the central hub for the JFLCC and for in-coming supply lines.

"It's quite staggering; all the key players are here,” said Parker. “Anybody who’s anybody is contributing. It’s incredible to see all the services and cultures come together like this.”

There are more than 1,000 Marines, sailors and civilians deployed to mainland Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi, according to Staff Sgt. Adan Moreno, J-1 chief, JFLCC.

Working closely with the Government of Japan and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, the Marines, sailors and civilians continue to provide support for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, survey disaster-stricken areas and distribute supplies.

"These Marines and sailors came into an unknown situation and have performed in an exemplary manner,” said Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, 3rd Marine Division commanding general and JFLCC commander. “We're getting desperately needed supplies to those people who need them and the Marines know the help they are providing is appreciated by Japan and its citizens.”

“The whole team: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are working long days and I am proud of them,” Brilakis said. “All of the American service personnel in Operation Tomodachi are honored to support our Japanese allies and friends who were always so supportive of our presence here before the earthquake."