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# 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Returns to Okinawa from Relief Efforts

By  Capt. Jennifer Giles

OKINAWA, Japan – Marines and aircraft with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, yesterday after completing operations in support of earthquake relief efforts by Joint Task Force Chinzei, led by the Japanese Self Defense Force.

The eight MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU used to transported relief supplies during the operations departed from MCAS Iwakuni yesterday afternoon and arrived at MCAS Futenma later that afternoon. The 31st MEU’s departure follows an announcement yesterday by United States Forces, Japan, ending direct U.S. airlift support to Government of Japan earthquake relief efforts in the Kumamoto, Japan, area. 

The need for rapid airlift of supplies by U.S. MV-22s diminished as the recovery progressed and repairs were made to the area’s infrastructure. U.S. Forces, Japan, will continue to work closely with the Government of Japan to respond to any emerging needs during the coordinated transition and retrograde of U.S. military capabilities.

"Being part of the relief effort team has been a humbling experience," Said Col. Romin Dasmalchi, 31st MEU commanding officer. "Even though we're transitioning back home, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kumamoto and the Japanese Self Defense Forces, who will continue their diligent work of recovery and reconstruction."

31st MEU Marines and Ospreys were able to deliver a total of 82,700 pounds of relief supplies for distribution to earthquake victims during five days of operations.

The 31st MEU provides a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations in the Asia-Pacific area. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

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