Initial Response Force

Marines with the Initial Response Force walk out of a C-5 Galaxy after arriving here April 3. The Initial Response Force is a 155-person team comprised of Marines from Naval Support Facility, Indian Head, Md. As a smaller element of the chemical, biological, and incident response force, the IRF is specifically trained in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosion operations. The IRF will support Operation Tomodachi by providing a rapid response capability, and if requested, can assist and advise Japanese authorities.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer