Photo Information

Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, conveys his sympathy for the Japanese people in a condolence book March 22, 2011, at the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu. The condolence book, signed by federal, state, city and county government agency officials and U.S. military leaders, held expressions of sympathy for the deadly destruction after the earthquake and destructive tsunami hit Japan March 11. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Tracey Saiki)

PACAF commander signs Japanese condolence letter

23 Mar 2011 | Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern

The Pacific Air Forces commander visited the Consulate General of Japan here March 22 to express his sympathy for the Japanese people.

Gen. Gary L. North's signature of an official condolence book joined those of federal, state, city and county government agency officials who penned their expressions of sympathy for the deadly destruction after the earthquake and destructive tsunami hit Japan March 11.

The general was accompanied by Yoshi Kamo, consul general of Japan; Brian Woo, PACAF political advisor; and Lt. Col. Shinya Kitamura, Japan Air Self Defense Force international affairs liaison officer.

During his visit to the consulate, General North spoke with U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, about U.S. Forces continued support to the government of Japan during Operation Tomodachi.

The U.S. Air Force, sister services and supporting commands continue a longstanding and close working relationship with their Japanese counterparts on a daily bases to coordinate government of Japan requests and rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis.

To date, the U.S. Air Force has flown more than 230 missions and transported more than 3.2 million pounds of supplies and equipment in support of Operation Tomodachi.