Great East Japan Earthquake
Operation Friends
March 19, 2011, Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit move vehicles in preparation for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, March 19. Navy and Marine Corps involvement is part of a larger U.S. government response, coordinated through the U.S. Department of State, after a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan causing widespread damage. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the 31st MEU is ready to support our Japanese partners and to provide assistance when called upon. (Photo by USMC/AFLO) [0006]