Sea Base Developing Off Japan

Based on the information released from various press outlets and the 7th fleet, a Sea Base appears to be developing off Miyagi Prefecture to assist Japanese authorities with providing at-sea search and rescue and recovery operations. The US contribution of this sea base will be centered around the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Tortuga (LSD 46), and USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).

A number of US Navy ships will be following this initial force including the Essex ARG and the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Early reporting suggests the US Navy forces will be tasked to support primarily Japanese SDF but also US Navy and Marine Corps helicopters for search and rescue operations in the area, as well as provide humanitarian operations as requested. This disaster response and humanitarian assistance Sea Base will be very similar to the Sea Base established off the coast of Haiti in early 2010, except in this case the Sea Base will be more international in nature with Japan taking the lead in tasking.

Japan is leading the disaster response and recovery effort. Based on various news reports, Japan has dispatched 50,000 troops to the region including over 190 aircraft so far. Japan has asked for the US military to transport 900 troops and 250 vehicles as part of the relocation of thousands of Japanese SDF troops from various regions of the country. News reports also indicate a large (but unknown number) of Marine Corps helicopters are being shifted from Okinawa to bases north in Japan to support operations.

While it is unclear what role the US Marine Corps will play in Japan, one possibility is that the Marine Corps will serve in a more logistical role in supporting SDF rescue and recovery operations. With transportation throughout the impacted region impacted, logistics will likely be very difficult in the first few weeks.

Another support service US Navy personnel are expected to undertake involves resupplying or augmenting in some way medical services throughout the impacted region.

With the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) expected to serve as a helicopter support base offshore for both US Navy and Japanese SDF helicopters, once again the nuclear powered aircraft carrier is poised to be the most versatile and flexible capability in responding to the needs following an international catastrophe.