Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III

Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, board a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 12 to provide assistance in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, March 11. The 3rd MEB is being sent to Yokota Air Base to coordinate with U.S. Forces Japan, the lead military command for all U.S. military assistance in the country. These Marines are deploying to provide vital command and control for ongoing Marine Corps operations in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, March 11. The proximity of Marine aviation assets at MCAS Futenma has allowed Marines from III MEF to rapidly deploy critically-needed supplies and aid to areas that need it most.