Working in the "Shadows"

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Daniel Wolfbauer, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsions craftsman, observes the flight line from inside an MC-130P Combat Shadow here March 31, 2011. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts and trying to minimize human suffering. U.S. military assets include a wide range of equipment and air, sea and ground capabilities and expertise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

Working in the "Shadows"

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Jack Kindell, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron crew chief, prepares an MC-130P Combat Shadow to be moved across the flight line here March 31, 2011. There are currently four MC-130Ps deployed to Yokota to assist with Operation Tomodachi. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts and trying to minimize human suffering. U.S. military assets include a wide range of equipment and air, sea and ground capabilities and expertise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrea Salazar)

Rebuilding Sendai: a photographic journey

A combat controller walks down the main runway at Sendai Airport, measuring the useable area to see if a C-130 can land there March 16. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

Rebuilding Sendai: a photographic journey

Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron shovel mud and silt off the main apron at Sendai Airport March 16. The Airmen of the 320th STS did their part to help clear the flightline, even if it meant using their own two hands. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

Rebuilding Sendai: a photographic journey

A pararescueman with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron looks through rubble to find survivors at Sendai Airport March 16. The dirt along the ground-level exterior walls shows just how high the water level rose during the March 11 tsunami. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

Rebuilding Sendai: a photographic journey

Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron arrive at Sendai Airport March 16 and begin to assess the damage and what they can do to help. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)