Arctic Warriors assist Japan relief efforts

Published March 31, 2011
By SSgt. Jeremy Larlee
JBER PAO

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Following the March 11 disasters in Japan, numerous Arctic Warriors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, have pitched in to help.

Air Force Master Sgt. Augustine Circello III, from JBER's 773d Logistics Readiness Squadron, is one of those warriors.

"I have been coordinating airlift requirements to move HA/DR (Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief) around Japan," he said.

"We have also deployed joint inspection teams throughout Japan to facilitate aid relief, flying with the aircraft, inspecting the cargo, and loading it.

This was essential in transporting the HA/DR quickly by air."

"HA/DR" stands for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief.

The sergeant said initial support was difficult due to communication problems.

"Trying to coordinate with all the different internal functions and sister services to move the supplies around was hard at first," he said.

"In the beginning, everything was moving 100 miles per hour and chaotic. We now have a streamlined process and can move equipment around Japan quickly and efficiently."

He said he can see progress being made in Japan, it part due to the efforts of his team.

"Initially we delivered thousands of pounds of life-sustaining supplies, like blankets, water and rations to displaced victims," he said.

"We have also aided other bases when they needed it. Misawa Air Base's electricity was inoperable, and (the base) was living off of generators.

We delivered supplies, generators, fuel and rations to sustain them. As soon as requirements are sent, our team is working feverishly to complete it so we can sustain civilian life and military operations."

The Arctic Warriors, he continued, are "embedded in almost every facet of the operation."

"From the airlift we have available to deliver HA/DR, to the vehicle operators driving the 24-hour shuttle busses, JBER members are playing a significant role supporting not only the deployed members but displaced victims as well. "

Sergeant Circello said it has been a very personally rewarding mission for him.

"It has been completely satisfying; being able to see a mission to completion and knowing that we delivered the supplies to those who need it, that's why we're here," he said.

The one feat that has impressed him the most, Circello said, is the re-opening of Sendai International Airport.

"That airport was devastated," he said. "The military members deployed there with minimal equipment and have returned it to a fully operational airport, which will soon be open to commercial airlift once again."