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Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Farbo

VMM-265 arrives at MCAS Iwakuni

18 Apr 2016 | Cpl. Nathan D. Wicks The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17, 2016.

VMM-265 arrived to provide operational airlift support for the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following the earthquakes in and near Kumamoto.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the island of Kyushu April 14, resulting in nine deaths and widespread damage. A second earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, struck April 16, causing at least an additional 40 deaths and more damage.

“We express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the recent earthquakes in Kyushu,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Dolan, commander of U.S. Forces Japan. “We are working closely with the government of Japan to provide assistance and support. To the people of Japan and the region affected by this tragedy, we send our heartfelt sympathies. The men and women of the U.S. Forces Japan stand with you during this difficult time.”

The long-standing alliance between Japan and the U.S. played an integral role in U.S. Forces Japan’s rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civilian relief efforts.

“The U.S. stands with Japan during this difficult time, and we’re here to work with whomever we’re called upon to work with,” said Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22 pilot with VMM-265.

The MV-22B Osprey is designed as the medium-lift replacement for the Navy CH-46E Sea Knight assault support helicopter. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft and offers twice the speed, six times the range, and three times the payload of the CH-46E, making it an ideal aircraft for providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations such as this one.






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