Possible mandatory evacuation for Americans

On March 17th, the Dept. of Defense published information that they will assist in voluntary evacuation of military and civilian families from Japan. This would begin within 24 hours.
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People will likely be moved to Korea, where they will be processed and await transportation to the states. Some, like our friend Chris are leaving from Narita on commercial flights, but we will remain here unless the situation takes a sharp turn.

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Efforts to cool the reactors have been ongoing since the plant was damaged by the tsunami. What has not been said is how much progress has been made. After 7 days, perhaps the best case scenerio has not been realized, but has there been any progress? I don't know.

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Today, Friday, March 18th at 7:30 am, Allan attended a department meeting where the possibility of mandatory evacuation was announced. We spent the day gathering information and filling out forms. We aren't expecting it to happen, but if the decision is made, it may happen this weekend, and we will get a call and report to base with the correct documentation and our limit of luggage.

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Around base and in town, restaurants and stores are limiting hours in an effort to reduce power usage. We have been expecting brownouts at home, but so far, it hasn't happened.

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The D.O.D. school year has been called, as of March 17th. Grades accumulated to date will be final. Our friend Karen is taking her son to Ohio to finish his junior and senior year.

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Those who will not be evacuating, namely the Japanese, are handling things well. The radiation threat is monopolizing the news, but the rescue efforts and the rebuilding are still very important.

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Our only chore now is to watch and wait.