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TOKYO, Japan – USS Tortuga (LSD
46), in conjunction with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF),
assisted in evacuating Japanese citizens as part of Japan’s annual
earthquake drill Sept. 1.
The seventh annual drill involving more than 600,000 people from
across Japan was conducted both to achieve response preparedness and
to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the 8.3-magnitude Great Kanto
quake that struck Tokyo in 1923.
Earthquakes are a constant threat to Japan, which saw a magnitude-6.8
quake in central Niigata state in July, so preparedness is essential,
according to Japanese officials.
As part of the drill, Tortuga launched a landing craft air cushion (LCAC)
from its well deck to retrieve what would have been stranded commuters
from Tokyo’s Kasai Kaihin Park. A total of 60 Japanese citizens were
transported to Tortuga, where they were later brought to Yokosuka.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to take part in this
exercise with the city of Tokyo,” said Tortuga Commanding Officer,
Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis. “The Tortuga crew has trained very hard for this
type of drill in the case this became a real-life scenario.”
Tortuga’s participation in the drill is evidence of the strong
relationship and goodwill that exists between the U.S. and Japan,
added Lewis.
At the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, this is the
second year that the U.S. Navy has participated in this type of drill.
USS Gary (FFG 51) participated in a similar drill last year in Tokyo.
“There is no doubt the crew of Tortuga gave the Japanese visitors a
great demonstration of the capabilities U.S. ships provide in the case
a disaster were to occur,” said Commander, Naval Forces Japan, Rear
Adm. James D. Kelly, who was embarked aboard Tortuga for the relief
drill. “Clearly an amphibious ship such as Tortuga is ideal for this
exercise due to the multiple capabilities such as transportation,
medical and survey support.”
Once aboard Tortuga, the evacuees were greeted by their tour guides
and went through a series of check-in procedures such as medical,
dental and other personal identification information.
“Everyone involved had a positive attitude which made the visitors
feel welcome and at home,” said Yeoman 3rd Class (SW) Nyesha J Chappel,
who was documenting census data for the drill participants. “This is
the way we would want them to feel in a real-life situation.”
Tortuga has the ability to process, support and care for over 700
evacuees in any case needed and many more by utilizing the flight deck
and well deck.
“I was surprised to see how fast we were able to reach the ship and
get everyone checked in,” said Kitamura Nawa, a relief drill
participant. “Everyone was very helpful and ensured me if this were to
happen, we would be taken care of.”
Disaster relief drills such as this allows U.S. Navy and the JMSDF to
be ready to respond if and when called upon to do so.
“[We] look forward to participating in it again next year and in the
future,” said Lewis. “As part of our strong relationship with Japan,
we are prepared to serve them in any capacity, whether drill or real
world.”
USS Tortuga (LSD 46) is a dock landing ship serving under Commander,
Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only
forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is
headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an
operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil. |
