Marines preparing to depart for the Philippines stack their gear on a pallet Nov. 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Approximately 90 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed on two KC-130J Hercules aircraft. The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue (SAR), airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers. The aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. MCAS Futenma is a mission ready air station capable of continuous aviation and base operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S., Allied, and United Nations forces during combat or contingency operations in the Western Pacific Theater of operations, to include U.S. Pacific Command, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.