Crisis in Japan: Tsunami Update from 79SSC Command

By Capt. Kalen Arreola
79SSC PAO

As you may have already discovered, a large earthquake hit off Japan's coast during the early hours of the morning, killing hundreds living there. News reports have said this is the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history. 

The Army Reserve is doing its part to ensure its service members are safe and accounted for during this tragic event.

Maj. Gen. William D. Frink, Jr., commander of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, has asked that we use all means necessary to communicate updates to our troops and Families as they are received -- to include all social media platforms.

"There is no report of loss of life for our Soldiers or Families at this time," said Frink, in an email message sent this morning around 9 a.m. PDT. "We are implementing three ongoing lines of effort: assessing the impact and accounting for our Soldiers and Family Members; taking the necessary precaution of monitoring possible tsunami impact as it approaches the West Coast; and preparing to support recovery efforts and alert units as needed."

Frink said communication with Family members in the Pacific region has proven to be a challenge. Text messages are getting through, but phone lines have been busy. Families and troops are encouraged to communicate with the command through any means available, including Facebook, Twitter and this blog post.

"We understand this is a challenging time for our troops and their Families, but we will continue to be proactive in our communications efforts as information comes available to us," said Frink. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Japan and all those affected by this disaster."

For Soldiers needing assistance immediately, the Army Reserve's Fort Family program has sent this message:

As severe weather approaches Hawaii and California the Fort Family Outreach and Support Center is standing by to assist Reservists and their Families. Please know that the Fort Family Outreach and Support Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you when you need us, no matter what the situation. Please take a moment to write down our contact information so that you will have it when needed. Please contact the Fort Family Outreach and Support Center at 1(866) 345-8248 or by email at help@fortfamily.org.

For 79SSC-related news and information or to send messages to the command, visit: www.twitter.com/79ssc and www.facebook.com/79ssc.

Media requesting interviews, contact Capt. Kalen Arreola at kalen.arreola@us.army.mil or 858-525-2498.