Yokota AB Airmen deliver fuels truck to aid Japan's relief efforts

Airman 1st Class Giovanny Miranda, 36th Airlift Squadron, watches the sides for clearance as a fuels truck is loaded onto a C-130H Hercules here March 15. The fuels truck was taken to Yamagota Airport to support Japan'e earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

Yokota AB Airmen deliver fuels truck to aid Japan's relief efforts

Tech Sgt. Michael Holcomb, 730th Air Mobility Squadron, gives the thumbs up for clearance as a fuels truck is loaded onto a C-130H Hercules here March 15. The fuels truck was taken to Yamagota Airport to be used in support of Japan's earthquake and tsunami relied efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

374th Logistics Readiness Squadron takes action to help relief effort

Published March 16, 2011
By Amn John Partlow
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- From the very first hours of Yokota's mission to support Japan's earthquake relief efforts on, The 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron have worked closely with the 730th Air Mobility Squadron to support an influx incoming and outgoing missions.

"It's mainly our job to help the Japanese reestablish, get a foothold, [and to] get communications back up," said Tech. Sgt. Jade Orr, small air terminal operations from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "We'll do anything we can to help the Japanese."

The 374th LRS was put on 12-hour, around-the-clock shifts to ensure mission readiness for the constant demand for fuel and vital supplies throughout the disaster zone.

In support of recovery efforts in Northern Japan, the 374 LRS prepared and delivered two air fuel delivery systems that are now refueling aircraft and vehicles performing search and rescue missions in and around Yamagata, Japan.

The fuel delivery systems can hold up to 5,000 gallons of fuel each.

"This is our job," said Sergeant Orr. "We do this, not just for the Japanese, we do this [for people] all over the world."

Along with the AFDS's, two R-11 fuel trucks were sent to the area after they were inspected by members of the Air Mobility Squadron.

"Their government has already released a statement requesting help, so being that we're already here benefits them amazingly," said Senior Airman Joshua Blum, an air terminal operation center information controller from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron.

It is uncertain when the need for more relief forces subside, but until then, the Airmen of the 374th LRS, and all of Team Yokota, will be ready to do what is necessary to accomplish the mission.