Operation Tomodachi (Friend)

The CURTIS WILBUR originally had orders to cruise to Okinawa in support of the George Washington as part of the seventh fleet. We started by going south but then our orders were changed. Instead it was decided that we would be of greater assistance in continuing to support Operation Tomodachi. That meant dealing with radioactivity again. I was issued my Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) suit along with the gas mask I already have. As the ship traveled close to the affected zone, we stopped producing fresh or "potable" water by osmosis. That meant limited water supplies for about twenty-four hours. Considering what the Japanese are going through on a daily basis, I did not have much trouble enduring that.

We were assigned a box to search for abandoned craft. Once found these craft would be returned to their rightful owners. Entire lively hoods were lost when the tsunami swept their boats out to sea. We were assisting the Ronald Reagan strike group in establishing and searching a grid. With each ship being assigned their own box along the coast assisted by aircraft from the Reagan and shore bases, the operation was definitely efficient.

After about a week of searching, the CURTIS WILBUR completed the assigned search area. This marked the end of our part in the operation. There was a reception for Japanese Officials on the Ronald Reagan followed by a parade of American and Japanese warships in formation. That was the last act of my first operation. I feel privileged to have participated in such a meaningful action. The Japanese have a very real appreciation for the US military now. Upon returning to port, we mooring alongside a Japanese Destroyer. While I stood the first OOD in port watch, a Japanese Ensign boarded the ship to ask our Captain to join theirs for a formal reception. He thanked the ship for our efforts in aiding his country.

Back On Board

A few days after the military airlift stopped the CURTIS WILBUR pulled back into port. This was the first time I was able to watch it arrive from the pier. It gave me a little bit different view, I am usually on the bridge during these operations. I watched the mooring lines as they were set and listened to the commands being given.

I was anxious to get back into my office and figure out how everything stood and what inevitably got messed up in my absence. It would take me the better part of the next week to get my records in order and quite a few headaches. My funds were all accounted for and I was able to correct and update my records so that made me feel much better.

The next challenge was in gathering the necessary supplies for the ship's store. The order my ship put in was only about 35% filled. Navy supply lines had been stretched thin with the extra demands placed on them. We ended up filling in some of our stocks with purchases from the NEX and commissary. The important part being that the store shelves were full and ready for the next deployment. Which would be starting on the following day. The ship's carefully planned schedule got thrown out the window due to ongoing relief missions.