USAG Japan trains alongside Sagamihara City partners to ensure community safety

SAGAMIHARA, Japan - Firefighters from U.S. Army Garrison Japan participated in the annual Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Drill Oct. 25 at a joint-use area here near Sagami General Depot.

The multi-agency event brought diverse organizations together to tackle realistic emergency scenarios following a major earthquake.

During the exercise, teams responded to a simulated collapsed building to rescue two trapped victims. After a rescue dog pinpointed their location, firefighters breached the roof and deployed a ladder crane to safely extract an unconscious individual.

Ichiro Otsuka, a fire truck driver and operator assigned to USAG Japan, highlighted the value of joint operations.

"Practice doesn't lie," Otsuka said, emphasizing the continuous reflection and daily communication that prepared the team.

Otsuka praised the dedication of the Sagamihara firefighters, adding, "Their eyes shone with pride in protecting citizens' lives and property. Working together gave us great motivation and exposed us to new tactical approaches and equipment."

Acknowledging that room for improvement remains, Otsuka reaffirmed the two groups' shared commitment to learning from one another and working tirelessly to safeguard the community.