2011, the highest in a decade. Criticism Despite the message of gratitude, the operation raised some criticism. The fact that most American soldiers were sent at least 80 km away from Fukushima nuclear plant, mostly to the more distant prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi, and also the political use of the earthquake, were underlined. See also Operation Pacific Assist Humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami Fukushima I nuclear accidents International reaction to Fukushima I nuclear accidents U.S.-Japan Council References External links Amidst Trial, Ties That Bind: Enduring Strength in the U.S.-Japan Alliance – An updated account of U.S. Armed Forces activities currently supporting Japan in disaster relief. The Military Foundations of U.S. Disaster Assistance in Japan , an interview with Admiral Thomas B. Fargo on U.S. military aid to Japan Q+A: What's the U.S. military doing in Japan? Non-combat military operations involving the United States Emergency management in Japan United States military in Japan United States Marine Corps in the 21st century Japan Self-Defense Forces 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami relief International responses to natural disasters