Message from the Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, General Yamazaki Koji, on the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Also included are remarks from Lieutenant General Kevin B. Schneider Commander, United States Forces Japan.
<p>On the tenth anniversary of 3/11, the Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of the JSDF, Gen. Yamazaki Koji, reflected on the disaster. Along with condolences to those affected, he noted the unprecedent level of response, involving 107,000 personnel, 543 aircraft, 4 warships, and first mobilization of the JSDF Ready Reserve Personnel. In a touching aspect, the general gave thanks to the international response as well, on behalf of the victims but also the JSDF. He highlighted the contributions of U.S. forces in particular, including over 20,000 personnel, approximately 20 aircraft carriers, and approximately 160 aircraft. Proactive efforts since the disaster - including the Japan-U.S. Joint Disaster Management Drill in 2013 and more recent drills including those preventing the further spread of COVID-19 infections - highlighted ways the JSDF was improving its disaster response posture for the future. As a postscript, Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, reaffirmed how the joint response to 3/11 memorialized the strength and resiliency of the U.S.-Japan alliance.</p><p> </p><p><br> </p><p><br> </p>