Operation Tomodachi and the Reopening of Sendai Airport
March 2011
Sendai airport was flooded. The earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 had driven water into its terminal and strewn vehicles and wreckage across the runways, closing a route that relief workers needed to reach northeastern Japan. [1]
Japanese airport workers and Self-Defense Forces began clearing the debris, joined by American forces under Operation Tomodachi. By 16 March a military transport could land with equipment and supplies. As larger transports followed, American combat controllers helped direct aircraft through the continuing work. [1] [2]
Food, water, and blankets moved through the airport to communities along the damaged coast. Commercial flights resumed on 13 April 2011, but much of the surrounding region still faced a long recovery. [1]
Equipment delivered through the partially restored airport supported clearance and cargo handling, increasing the volume of assistance it could receive. [1] [2]
Related Diplomats
Sources
- Kiyokazu Ota, The Story of Sendai International Airport — Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
Pages 1–4; airport clearance, joint operations and reopening; branch misidentification in source is not repeated
- First C-17 touches down in Sendai — Pacific Air Forces
517th Airlift Squadron delivery of all-terrain forklift and relief cargo
- Operation Tomodachi: five years later — U.S. Seventh Fleet
Original preview reference retained; retrieval returned HTTP 403 during October 27 revision
- Diplomatic Representation for Japan
- President Obama offers condolences and support for Japan
Related Reading
Cite This Article
Operation Tomodachi and the Reopening of Sendai Airport. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record e14cd789dd289bf102a5. https://chanceries.org/research/history/japan-tomodachi-bb615c961f/