ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Each year since the Great East Japan earthquake of 2011, the government of Japan and the U.S. military have participated in disaster preparedness and emergency response drills to ensure a swifter and stronger response to future natural disasters.

During the Big Kanagawa Rescue exercise, hosted by the Kanagawa Prefectural government and conducted around the Kanagawa prefecture on Aug. 31, U.S. Navy Sailors stationed at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi lent their expertise to the practice efforts. Pilots and aircrew from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 coordinated a joint effort to fly HSM-51 helicopters from NAF Atsugi to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), transporting medical personnel around the prefecture for simulated medical care and treatment.

"This is the first time I've been able to participate in a drill like this," said HSM-51 pilot Lt. Alex Stone. "Having the opportunity to engage with our host nation and learn to operate alongside them has been an incredible asset, not only to me, but to our whole squadron."

Throughout the drill, Sailors navigated simulated obstacles and difficulties in an attempt to reflect real life scenarios such as downed power lines and gas and propane tank explosions.

"Just being out there doing non-standard operations is mutually beneficial, and we want to be good guests in our host nation," HSM-51 Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chris Miller said. "The time we spend now practicing, is helping us to be better prepared to respond to any call."

HSM-51 routinely participates in evacuation and disaster relief drills hosted by both the Japanese government and the Japan Self-Defense Force, in addition to all exercises conducted by the U.S. Navy in Japan.