Maj. John Traxler (left), 320th Special Tactics Squadron commander, and a joint team of U.S. Air Force and Marine search and rescue specialists look over the disastrous aftermath at the Sendai Airport here March 13. They are part of the American disaster relief forces here to assist with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort. About 100 people and three MC-130Ps from the 353rd Special Operations Group have deployed to Yokota Air Base relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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YAMAGATA, Japan -- Maj. John Traxler, 320th Special Tactics Squadron commander, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force discuss the possibility of using Yamagata as a fuel staging area here March 13. The area would be used to refuel aircraft assisting with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts. About 100 people and three MC-130Ps from the 353rd Special Operations Group have deployed to Yokota Air Base relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airlift leadership and a joint team of U.S. Air Force and Marine search and rescue members, prepare to board an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 33rd Rescue Squadron here March 13. Yokota is receiving personnel, aircraft and supplies to support search and rescue efforts as requested by the government of Japan. About 100 people and three MC-130Ps from the 353rd Special Operations Group have deployed to Yokota Air Base relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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Airmen and Marines carry out survey mission

Published March 14, 2011

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airlift leadership and a joint team of U.S. Air Force and Marine search and rescue members, flew on a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 33rd Rescue Squadron here March 13 to conduct surveys of damaged areas and meet with Japanese officials to discuss plans for possible missions in the future.

They are part of the American disaster relief forces deployed here to assist with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts after an earthquake measuring 8.9 in magnitude that hit the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Northeastern Japan March 11.

About 100 people and three MC-130Ps from the 353rd Special Operations Group have deployed to Yokota Air Base to support relief operations.