Japan 2011 Earthquake: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Response

Andrew Feickert
Specialist in Military Ground Forces

Emma Chanlett-Avery
Specialist in Asian Affairs

With almost 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan, the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami is unique in that U.S. forces and associated resources were located in close proximity to deal with the crisis. All services—Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force—are present in Japan in various capacities. In addition, U.S. forces train regularly with their Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF) counterparts, including many humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.

With 100,000 SDF troops called up to respond to the disaster, U.S. forces were able to coordinate their efforts almost immediately to provide support for the Japanese responders. Within five days of the earthquake, the SDF had deployed 76,000 personnel (45,000 ground, 31,000 air and maritime); 194 rotary aircrafts and 322 fixed-wings; and 58 ships. As of March 16, the SDF had rescued 19,300 people, in addition to supporting activities at the troubled nuclear reactors.


Date of Report: March 17, 2011
Number of Pages: 9
Order Number: R41690
Price: $19.95

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