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Japan Troops Leave for Iraq Aid Mission
Japan dispatched its first military unit for a humanitarian mission to Iraq on Friday, spearheading the countryâs biggest overseas deployment since World War II. The advance air force contingent of more than 40 personnel was split between two commercial flights to Kuwait and Qatar from Tokyo international airport. The first flight left Friday morning, and one more was to leave later in the day. ``The time has come for us to go,ââ Col. Tadashi Miyagawa told dozens of reporters at the airport before going through security. ``Each individual has his own thoughts, but weâll be unified.ââ"Banzai! Banzai! Um, never mind." The air force units will assess security and make arrangements for a larger 276-member air force contingent charged with shipping medical and food supplies from Kuwait to Iraq. In addition, more than 500 Japanese ground troops will be deployed in southern Iraq in February and March. The contingent sent Friday was part of a total dispatch of about 1,000 personnel, including land, air and sea forces, on a mission to help restore water services, offer medical aid and rebuild schools and other infrastructure. Reflecting the governmentâs assurances that the soldiers would not engage in combat, the air force personnel leaving on Friday were dressed in blazers, sweat shirts or jeans Theyâre stepping up this time, and we appreciate it. The Defense Agency plans to deploy armored vehicles and up to six naval ships, including destroyers, to support its units. Eight aircraft, including three C130 transport planes, will also be dispatched. Posted by: Steve White 2003-12-26 |
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