Operation Tomodachi: Views from Bilateral Coordination Action Team (BCAT) Sendai

The Stimson Center and Embassy of Japan will co-host a virtual discussion on how the Bilateral Coordination Action Team enabled ground forces to quickly respond to the disaster.

MG Craig Q. “Lake” Timberlake (ret., USMC) and MG Jiro Hiroe (JGSDF) will share their experiences and reflections on this critical operation.

MG Craig Q. “Lake” Timberlake, Ret., USMC

In his decades of service, MG Timberlake held numerous positions across the operating forces, supporting establishment, and headquarters, including Chief of Staff of the Third Marine Division during Operation Tomodachi, Commanding General of the Third Marine Division in Okinawa and Director of Manpower Management. He retired from active duty in 2018.

MG Jiro Hiroe, JGSDF

MG Hiroe has been the Commander of the 5^th Brigade of the Northern Army since 2020. He was previously the Director General of the C4 & Intelligence Department of the Ground Staff Office and Commandant of the Signal School, and was the BCAT chief for the Joint Task Force – Northeastern Army during Operation Tomodachi.

Please visit the Stimson Center’s website for more information.