”The relief operation that followed was named Operation Tomodachi, after the Japanese word for “friend.” For the past month, U.S. military forces have assisted the Japan Self Defense Force in their recovery. It was three disasters in one. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake, a tsunami wave and a nuclear accident combined to make the tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. Within hours, the U.S. 7th Fleet mobilized more than 20 ships, 19,000 personnel and over 150 aircraft to support the Japan Self Defense Force. The following is a day-by-day account of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s involvement in Operation Tomodachi.

7th Fleet observes moment of silence, reflects on Operation Tomodachi