CAMP SENDAI, Japan -- The leadership of the Joint Force Land Component Command transferred from the Marine Corps to U.S. Army Japan in a ceremony here April 7.
USARJ is now leading the U.S. military support of the reconstruction phase of Operation Tomodachi in the Tohoku region following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Eiji Kimizuka, Joint Task Force Tohoku commander, said he was full of conflicting emotions as the III MEF repositioned itself, but felt happy that USARJ would remain to continue reconstruction.
“This country suffered a great loss with the earthquake and tsunami,” said Kimizuka. “The U.S. was the first to respond, and they provided relief as well as life support, and now we can even see signs of reconstruction.”
The Marines and sailors of III MEF were among the first responders on scene offering assistance in the days following the natural disaster which severely damaged the Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City and surrounding communities.
One of the MEF’s first efforts was to help clear Sendai Airport to allow planes, helicopters and other aircraft accessibility to the hardest hit areas.
“We arrived on March 13 and have been offering assistance in every way possible to the Japanese through their Ground Self-Defense Force,” said Marine Col. Craig Q. Timberlake, commander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III MEF.
Kimizuka and Timberlake agreed the U.S. and Japan have built a lasting relationship over the past 50 years, one which has strengthened during the last few weeks as Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. service members worked together to provide aid to Japanese citizens.
“This disaster has united our forces once again, and our cooperation will strengthen our relationship,” said Kimizuka.
“Today, I am saddened by the fact that we have to leave to reposition a new expeditionary brigade and have not done more,” said Timberlake. “However, my spirits are lifted because I happen to know that USARJ is here now, and they will carry on with the Japanese people, who have become our friends and allies, and I am convinced that, as we moved forward, we will become greater friends and allies.”
“This operation was and is a joint effort by all the military services to help the communities involved, and the (JGSDF) to rebuild after such a disaster,” said Timberlake.