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Foreword

Operation Unified Assistance (OUA):
Turning Military Cooperation into Humanitarian Aid

Japan Helps Tsunami Victims

Asia-Pacific Nations Enhancing Military Support to Humanitarian Operations

Foreword
Humanitarian Assistance
and Disaster Relief
by Admiral William J. Fallon
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

	Photo Courtesy of JCC
	Photo by PHAM Nicholas B. Morton, USN

Welcome to this special issue of the Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM in which we look at Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in our region. Natural disasters such as the December 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, as well as pandemic diseases such as Avian Flu, show no respect for national borders. As a result, these events can seriously threaten security, stability, and prosperity. In such circumstances, no nation alone can address all needs ... no nation alone can solve all problems. Such transnational challenges require collective, cooperative approaches and common solutions. In this issue, you can read about some of our efforts to address such problems, and together, provide security and stability in our region.

The overall theme of this issue is “Operation Unified Assistance (OUA): Turning Military Cooperation into Humanitarian Aid.” Included articles focus on the multilateral approach to military cooperation, which enhanced Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief after the December 2004 tsunami struck shores surrounding the Indian Ocean. In this case, nations of the Asia-Pacific region, along with others from around the globe, came together in the midst of this disaster of historic proportion.

One additional point. When reading these articles, I suggest you consider not only how militaries need to work together, but also the need for military–civilian interoperability. Our forces need to understand and be able to interact closely with the many international and non-governmental organizations that offer assistance. This message comes through clearly in reviewing Tsunami Response lessons learned.

In the face of adversity, the pro-fessionalism and outreach demonstrated by nations of the Asia-Pacific region continue to show that people make a huge, positive difference. Thanks so much for what you do.