Misawa Airmen work around the clock to receive supplies, aircraft

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than a week after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami hit Japan, Misawa Air Base has been working 24 hours a day to support Operation Tomodachi and recovery efforts.

As of March 20, 72 aircraft have transited into the base, carrying more than 600 relief workers and support personnel, and 403 short tons of cargo.

The aircraft have included U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy passenger planes, cargo planes, aerial refuelers and helicopters. Civilian aircraft have also ferried in search and rescue workers. The majority of the aircraft have come from military bases throughout the Pacific, with a few aircraft travelling in from the U.S.

"The ops tempo has definitely increased," said Tech. Sgt. Teresa Valdez, 35th Operations Support Squadron airfield manager. "The challenge has been dealing with that ops tempo increase, supporting the different types of aircraft and making sure we have adequate parking."

Often with just a few hours notice on inbound aircraft, the airfield management team has been able to "make it happen" with the support of the U.S. Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force sharing ramp space, said Sergeant Valdez.

"It's been quite an experience," she said. "It's great to be a part this team working together."

Receiving transient aircraft is just the beginning of support for Operation Tomodachi. Each aircraft that comes into Misawa is carrying passengers or cargo that requires unloading and receiving.

"We became the hub - everything is coming into us," said Senior Airman Ruperto Rodriguez, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron log planner. "We are the main support base for all the helos, supplies and food coming in to be dispersed throughout Japan."
With each inbound aircraft log planners like Airman Rodriguez work quickly to find out who and what is on the aircraft and the various requirements needed to receive what's on the plane.

"It was a little hectic trying to get things organized at first," said Airman Rodriquez. "The first couple of days we had no power, so we had to hand-jam all the paperwork. We now have everything under control; it's become a routine for me now."

Over nine days, the base has received more than 838,780 pounds of cargo. This has included water, American and Japanese food, generators, hydraulic fluid, search and rescue equipment, batteries, toiletries, personal computers and personal gear. As these supplies poured into the base, Airman Rodriguez said he was amazed at the amount and timeliness of the support.

"I was surprised to see that much support and in that quick of a time," he said. "It's a little overwhelming, but I'm proud to be part of this worldwide effort to help the Japanese."