For the first time, Yokota will take part
in annual earthquake preparedness drill
By Jennifer H. Svan, Tokyo
bureau chief
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — This U.S. air base would be a key location in rescue
efforts if a major earthquake were to hit Tokyo.
On Saturday, the base will be involved for the first time in the annual earthquake
preparedness drills that have been held each Sept. 1, the date 140,000 people were killed
in 1923’s Great Kanto Earthquake.
"This is a good demonstration of the mutual support between Japan and the [United
States]," said Air Force Capt. Michael Braibish, public affairs officer at Yokota Air
Base.
Most of the drills will be Saturday morning on a portion of the runway, with no
interruption of services at Yokota, Braibish said.
About 170 Japanese firefighters, police officers, medical specialists, government
officials, and members of Japan Self-Defense Forces will participate.
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara also will observe some of the drills.
The exercise will involve transport planes, helicopters and emergency vehicles
responding to a mock earthquake in western Tokyo.
"Aircraft can come in and drop off ground personnel and vehicles, or ground
personnel and vehicles can be uploaded and transported to other areas where they’re
needed," Braibish said.
Tokyo metropolitan government officials said they asked to use Yokota because there is
no other airport in western Tokyo that can handle aircraft coming from across Japan.
The south gate, which is usually closed on weekends, will be open for easy transit to
the flightline, Braibish said.
Among the groups that will be airlifted to Yokota are Japan Red Cross and Air
Self-Defense Force medical teams from Hokkaido and Gifu.
A disaster command post will be set up, and later in the morning, the evacuation of
victims will be simulated.
Ishihara will inspect drills between 10:35 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.
With the exception of a few Yokota personnel, who will provide air traffic control and
guide aircraft to runway parking, no U.S. forces will participate.
Hiroshi Chida contributed to this report.
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