World

Despite Contamination, U.S. Navy Continues Aid Missions in Japan

Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:04pm by Meredith Jessup
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As we noted Monday morning, 17 U.S. Navy sailors had a health scare after being exposed to low-level radiation during aid missions to the earthquake-stricken mainland, about 60 miles from the nuclear plant. Fortunately, the military personnel were cleared after their contamination threat was found to be the equivalent of about one month’s worth of natural radiation exposure.

After taking precautionary measures and moving American fleet ships out of the immediate contamination zone, the Navy continued to make helicopter runs to deliver food, water and medical supplies.

The Navy’s Pacific-based 7th Fleet announced on its Facebook page that the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ronald Reagan had been moved away from the Fukushima Daiichi plant after finding low-level radioactive contamination “in the air and on its aircraft operating in the area.” But the Navy said that operations to provide disaster relief had resumed north of Sendai.

The Navy released this video of crew from the Ronald Reagan loading SH-60 Seahawks to deliver “water, blankets and food,” and to scour the devastated landscape for possible survivors:

Wired reports:

The contamination may be spreading. But so is the Navy’s assistance role in the relief effort. The 7th Fleet said it expects the U.S.S. Tortuga to arrive on Tuesday at the eastern coast of Hokkaido, carrying two heavy-lift MH-53 helicopters. It’ll pick up Japanese troops and vehicles and send them on to Aomori, in northern Honshu. Four more ships are expected to arrive starting on Wednesday: the Blue Ridge, the Essex, the Harpers Ferry and the Germantown.

Retired Capt. Jan van Tol, who commanded the Essex during the 2005 tsunami relief missions in Indonesia, explained that heavy-lift helicopters are needed “given the likely damage to coastal transportation infrastructure and the rugged Japanese terrain.” He told Politico, “Essex is on her way up from Malaysia (means a week away…), and other big decks will no doubt be assigned. They’re the real assets for this given their heavy helo lift capacity, though the carriers will no doubt get the headlines with their SH-60s. Remember that operating the heavy helos is not merely a matter of the deck space (of which the CVNs obviously have a lot more), but also of the aircraft maintenance capability needed to keep the helos operating (and I expect they’ll be worked very heavily).”

May God keep them all safe.

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Comments (53)

Chuck Finley
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 10:09am
We cannot afford this aid to Japan or any other country. We need to pull every one of our soldiers home and concentrate on fixing our own. Go to usdebtclock.org and see for yourself. Keep in mind the unfunded liabilities.
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Al Gator
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 9:41pm
Once upon a time, the US Navy and Japan had a really big fight in the schoolyard.

And like a schoolyard fight, someone won, someone lost. But after that fact, as usual in a schoolyard fight, the antagonists became fast friends.

The US Navy and Marines are about as much a part of Japan as the Japanese are part of us. Sometimes its a love-hate relationship; but still till today, we really are all “family.”
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- Rui1198
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:30pm
  Well said Al. I had the pleasure as a child of living at Misawa AFB and can remember going out in the local towns and how the people treated us. My best memory is an old mamason smacking me in the back of the head cause my mom couldn’t see me acting up. After the smack she then gave me a pat on the head and reminded me that good children where always welcome in her store. Another fawn memory was the handiman that worked in our secrtion of housing, he would tell me stories about fudel Japan and what it was like growing up before the second world war. I would sit for hours and listen to him and marvel at his life and those of the people he spoke of. You have never met a more loving people than those in Japan. Someday I will go back and visit all the places I went to as a kid.
  Report Post »
mrdon2012
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:20pm
I didn’t know we had a bunch of extra cash laying around to spend on this … Doh!!! guess we’ll just borrow it from China and spend it in Japan …. hmmm no crazy thought, I almost asked why not cut us out of the middle and just let China help Japan out …
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- Al Gator
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 9:49pm
  If Japan erupted into a ball of flame and sank to the bottom of the sea, the chicoms would take cruise ships full of people to p*ss on the spot.
  
  Believe it.
  Report Post »
- Mil Mom
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 10:33pm
  @mrdon2012
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:20pm
  I didn’t know we had a bunch of extra cash laying around to spend on this … Doh!!! guess we’ll just borrow it from China and spend it in Japan …. hmmm no crazy thought, I almost asked why not cut us out of the middle and just let China help Japan out …
  
  ***************************
  Sure the name isn’t MORON? The answer is because America IS a Christian nation, and that‘s the ones who show God’s love by helping anyone in need.
  Report Post »
Rui1198
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:26pm
To my Shipmates in harms way “Gods speed”. This is why we are known as a “force for good” whether it is going after the bad guys that want to harm the people of the United States or need the help of the American people, they are always there and always will be. I am proud of my twnety yrs and I am even more proud of the men and women that have come before and came after me. Again “Gods speed” to you all.
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- M-Theory
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:48pm
  Yes, Godspeed.
  Report Post »
floydjr
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 1:53pm
Wow! God bless the men of the Navy and I pray
for them as will as the Japanese people.
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ldpeters
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 1:18pm
Damn proud of these guys (Navy)!!!!!!!!!
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LJ_4_JESUS
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 9:19am
My son is on the Ronald Reagan I pray that the Lord have His hand of protection on all the men and women on the Reagan and the ships that are soon to arrive. I think that the president should consider what it means to be a Christian nation and start blessing his nation instead of saying how much is wrong with it. GOG BLESS AMERICA
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- AzDebi
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:53pm
  Thank you for your son’s service…May God protect him and all the other brave men and women with him! AND…you are right…the “commander in chief” needs to sit down and shut up if he has nothing good to say about our great nation! He would never have the nerve nor the strength of character to begin to the fill the shoes of our patriots!
  Report Post »
- Mil Mom
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 10:28pm
  Amen!
  Report Post »
tompaineknowsthescore
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 8:18am
Its good to know that the US navy is helping tho but as brit i dont see much mention of the international aide effort teams from across europe, austrailia and new zealand, and much more of the world have all sent people, cash and equipment

I know your a big country and very into your exceptionalism but it might be more enlightening to have a more global view of things

btw this in now way takes away from the brave efforts of the US navy they’re bloody brilliant, nearly as good as the Royal Navy
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JJ1640
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 7:48am
The military knows how to operate in a nuclear environment. They have the moxie, skill, and leadership to carry out this mission at an acceptable level of risk. It’s great to know that at least one segment of our government has adult leadertship.
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jimenycricket
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 7:43am
Unions cry about having to participate in paying for their health insurance while BHO want’s the military to pay for their own insurance because they are all volunteers. We have the bravest and brightest men and women risking their lives for us all. They don’t complain about their families not having enough, they don’t complain about their working conditions or having to do something extra to get the job done. How can we at home allow socialist to and unions to protest together for the destruction of this great country while we send our bravest and brightest off in harms way. Speak out and speak often, this cr ap has to stop.
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CommonSenseChris
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 7:33am
This is what we should be doing all along. Screw the UN and do these things ourselves, then the United States gets the credit and not the freaking UN….
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vennoye
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 2:10am
They definitely represent the best of our characteristics. May God keep them safe.
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Oathkeeper1775
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 1:55am
God Bless and protect our military
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Eyeball
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 1:01am
Those helicopter pilots will fly into any disaster even if they are under fire.
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KEA
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:27am
He could care less, he is out golfing, AGAIN. He is a DISCRACE to this great country!
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- hud
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:45pm
  No. A disgrace to the human race. Maybe he’s one of those “V” things.
  Report Post »
neverending
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:03am
The bastard in chief sitting in the whitehouse would probably love nothing more then for the entire crew be overcome with radiation. That is probably why he responded so quickly
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- BarCalliyon
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:46pm
  That is probably ranks up there with one of the most stupid posts I have ever seen. The President wants troops to be exposed to radiation? Yep, just like President Bush and VP Cheney put on frog suits and blew up the levies. Congrats on being as ignorant as the radical leftists.
  Report Post »
- hud
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:42pm
  I personally don’t think that the Bummer could have that cogent a thought pattern.
  Report Post »
FLyoverman
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:03am
Go to MOPP-4 and continue the mission.
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FLyoverman
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:00am
Go to MOPP-4 and continue the mission. Drive on Navy!
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- youguysready_letsroll
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:09am
  “MOPP-4″ – that‘s a word I haven’t heard in years. I agree, go to MOPP-4 and drive on.
  Report Post »
- POIPNE
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 9:48am
  “MOPP-4″, Jeez, how we hated those suits! but, hey, the mission must go on! Spent a few years at Misawa & the Japanese were very good to us up there. They deserve all the help we can give them.
  
  Is it just me or does anyone else find it interesting that the only bright spot in the news we see lately (our military’s relief effort) is attached to such a disaster. At least ONE branch of the government still functions as it should. Maybe our military can repair some of the damage that’s been done to our image around the world.
  Report Post »
marine249
Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:44pm
go USA
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- 6268navyvet
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:12am
  Go Big GO Navy !!!
  Report Post »
- J.C. McGlynn
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:32pm
  To 6268: Carrier? Me, DLG/CG 12 Leahy class.
  Report Post »
Luke21
Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:37pm
Yes, God bless our brave soldiers. And God bless you Mr. President for authorizing this. On this mission, we can all stand behind you.
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- J.C. McGlynn
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:30pm
  Unfortunately, to look good in the eyes of the people in the US and the world he had to do it. To shipmates, be brave and as careful as possible and come home SAFE!
  Report Post »
- hud
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:36pm
  Hey, it was nice of Obummer to take time out from his busy basketball schedule
  Report Post »
- Mil Mom
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 10:20pm
  I’m amazed that this mission was authorized so quickly! Everything in me is saying, what, he’s not apologizing for America? Wow! God bless, and protect our military, AND the people of Japan they’re there to help. May we continue to hear of many miracles.
  Report Post »
WireWizard
Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:13pm
This makes me miss the Air Force. I spent 3 years in Japan from ‘76 to ’79. They are a great people.
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- J.C. McGlynn
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:25pm
  Narita AFB? I was at Yokosuka Navy base.
  Report Post »
- hud
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:33pm
  Unless they’re in the UCLA library.
  Report Post »
Showtime
Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:08pm
God bless our military! And keep them safe!
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- TruthTalker
  Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:14pm
  Agreed. The contamination is very low and can be scrubbed off easily, but that isnt the point. The point is these brave men and women go whereever they are needed. They honor their oaths. I wish our politicians could say the same.
  Report Post »
- banjarmon
  Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:16pm
  AMEN…I thank ever military person I see for their service to our Great nation.
  Report Post »
- thepatriotdave
  Posted on March 14, 2011 at 11:35pm
  “Despite Contamination, U.S. Navy Continues Aid Missions in Japan”
  
  That what Americans do! There may come a time where we can no longer help out even our allies. When that happens, I know ehere you can point the fingers… The Obama Admin!
  
  Maybe we should consider a new tactic in the world. We go everywhere there is a disaster to help. We spill our blood so others will live, yet most of the world hates us. Maybe we should only help those that like and support us, and to hell with the rest of them. It’s hard to decide because it sounds like the logical thing to do, but it’s NOT the Christian thing to do.
  
  Who do you want to run for POTUS in 2012?
  http://www.americasteapartynews.com/tea-blog.php#/
  http://www.americasteapartynews.com/tea-blog.php#/news/
- joseph Fawcett
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 12:20am
  I agree, May God bless them and protect them and those they are serving!
  
  http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist
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- prb65
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 3:26am
  What an amazing paradigm shift. In response to defend our country, our soldiers risked their lives knowing they might not make it back and now our soldiers are willing to risk their lives saving Japan knowing they again might not survive. God bless them all!
  Report Post »
- Slick Willie
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 8:38am
  agreed……TRUE HERO’S show NO fear…..May God Bless them.
  Report Post »
- My-Hero-is-Allen West
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 8:54am
  America is alive and well. What does this mean you might ask? This story is an example of our brave young men and women who still find HONOR in serving their country.
  
  My son leaves May 5th for NAVY BT. He has wanted to join for two years. While have baseball scholarships out of HS he made the decision to GO NAVY. He has many friends who too have joined up in all the military branches and they all stay in touch. I say this not so much as to state I am proud of my son but that despite have all the problems we have today with our politicians there are many young Americans who are willing to say I will stand to defend my country. May GOD keep and Bless those who are helping in Japan.
  Report Post »
- mill
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 9:44am
  Our military is the best there is. A strong military is mandatory in today’s world and Japan needs our help. However, I do not want to have our people put in direct harms way. my heart goes out to the 50 people still working on the plant. Give them help, do not expose our people.
  
  Approx 7 years ago, more than 200,000 people were killed by a tsunami triggered by an earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean. America was there to help, as we always are. However the risk factor was not there that we have in Japan. Help these people, keep our military safe
  Report Post »
- AzDebi
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:57am
  I don’t think our military should be exposed! I hope they have all been “pre-treated“ with potassium Iodine”…I would pray that at LEAST that protection has been provided a head of their mission! God please protect them!
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- the frog
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 1:37pm
  amen to that t
  Report Post »
- TheBees
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:15pm
  Why do they continue to fly missions? BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT WE DO! WE ARE THE U.S. MILITARY!
  Report Post »
- Lucy Larue
  Posted on March 15, 2011 at 6:44pm
  Amen SHOWTIME! Amen and HOOAH!
  Soldier on guys, soldier on!
  President Dunham played a little golf and hosted a Stevie wonder concert while you were sucking down iodine pills and being tested for radiation exposure. Not to worry though. He’s got your back….,along with his ENTIRE Administration. UGH!
  Report Post »
- jblovesAmerica
  Posted on March 16, 2011 at 8:43pm
  Amen.
  Those of you in uniform around the world. Making sure i can lay my head down and not worry about waking up. God Bless. We all Love you and what you do.
  Keep your heads down-come home safely.
  Report Post »

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