535th Airlift Squadron supports Japan relief effort

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Allen
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii --  A C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew from the 15th Wing's 535th Airlift Squadron departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for Japan March 12 to deliver electricity generators and personnel to Japan in support of humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of an earthquake and tsunami striking the country March 11.

The seven-person aircrew consisted of three pilots, two loadmasters, and two crew chiefs. The team transported 25 JBPH-H Airmen from a variety of Air Force specialties to Yokota Air Base, Japan, where they will provide support to efforts underway to support the government of Japan.

The aircraft was also loaded with four generators which will be used in the support efforts. After unloading the generators in Japan, the crew will follow on to Guam to pick up contingency response group personnel before heading back to Japan. The aircrew is expected to be gone approximately 10 days.

Capt. Nate Amidon, a pilot with the 535th AS, was the aircraft commander for the mission.

"It's what we train to do, so it's nice to be able to put that training to use in helping the people of Japan," he said. "If we can help out and do our part, then that's what we'll do."

Lt. Col. Andrew Leshikar, 535th AS commander, said the aircrew is both trained and eager to help the Japanese people recover from the natural disaster.

"These are the missions that we train for everyday, not only combat and contingency missions, but humanitarian and disaster assistance is one of the things we train for," he said.
"Everyone is always excited to go out and help other people."

Captain Amidon agreed that the 535th AS is well postured to provide airlift in the Pacific theater.

"That's why we're here in (Pacific Air Forces)," Captain Amidon said. "It's our area of responsibility. Anytime things need to get moved, we're ready to go."

Brig. Gen. Scott West, 13th Air Force vice commander, departed with the 25-person team to Japan.

"First and foremost our prayers are with Japan," General West said. "They are resilient and capable. (But) we'll be there so long as our allies ask us to."

(Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball contributed to this story)