Since the mid-1990s, tensions have spiked periodically among Japan, China, and Taiwan over the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu/Diaoyutai) islets in the East China Sea. Each time tensions erupt over the islets, questions have arisen concerning the U.S. relationship to the islets. This report focuses on that issue.

This report discusses the United States' Department of Defense's (DOD) Japan 2011 Earthquake relief efforts, designated "Operation Tomodachi," which is Japanese for "friend." The report includes an overview of the situation, funding for DOD efforts, naval activities, air activities, and a historical overview of U.S. military presence in Japan.

The United States military has been building up forces on the U.S. territory of Guam to increase deterrence and power projection for possible responses to crises and disasters, counter-terrorism, and contingencies in support of South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, or elsewhere in Asia. But the defense buildup on Guam is moderate. China has concerns about the defense buildup. Guam's role has increased with plans to withdraw some U.S. forces from Japan and South Korea. This report describes in brief detail the various cooperative efforts, including financial efforts, undertaken by the U.S. and the above nations.

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Interview with Antonio Amador, a veteran who was wounded in action as a sniper with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. The transcript includes a list of questions, which include a focus on Amador being shot and his experiences while serving and back at home.

Interview with Vaughn Bercaw, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from East Lansing, Michigan who served in Germany during the Cold War and Thailand in the early days of the Vietnam War. Bercaw describes his training in basic aircraft weapon systems and experiences on various missions in both wars, including life upon returning to the United States.

Interview with Al Flocke, a radio operator during World War II. He discusses his flight training and being the radio operator on a B-24 bomber which did raids on Guam, Turk, Iwo Jima and other islands. He also relates anecdotes about food, rations, and living conditions on the islands.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about a Japan Air lines jumbo jet which was hijacked on a flight from Amsterdam to Tokyo.

Interview with T. G. Crews, a Marine WWII veteran and POW from Stephenville, Texas. Crews, among the first Americans taken prisoner by the Japanese during the war, discusses his time with the North China Marines in Peking, his unit's duties there, his capture, and his experiences during internment at Tianjin, Shanghai, Peking, Busan, and Hakodate.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Interview with Tom Blaylock, an Army Air Corps WWII veteran and POW from Dallas, Texas. Blaylock was stationed in the Philippines during the Japanese invasion of December 1941, was captured, forced to partake in the Bataan Death March, and was interned at several major POW camps in the Philippines before transferring to a coal mine camp at Omine-machi, Yamaguchi, Japan.

Telegram sent by H. Kempner to their business partners wishing them seasons greetings.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Telegram sent by H. Kempner to their business partners wishing them seasons greetings.

Telegram sent by H. Kempner to their business partners wishing them seasons greetings.

Letter from Harris L. Kempner to Frank A. Richards filling him in on their upcoming trip to East Asia and asking him to write some letters of introduction should he need them.

Typed note which includes descriptions of a rifle which was made in Italy in 1940.

Letter from J. G. Tompkins to Harris Leon Kempner mentioning about the three boxes of personal effects that're loaded on the "Barbara Lykes" consigned to him. He also mentioned that he'll keep him posted on where it is and when it'll arrive.

Letter from D. W. Kempner to S. Kida expressing regret that Dr. Webster missed meeting Kida at the office. He also recalls with pleasure the time Kida's children spent at their home and offers future assistance. He also mentions that affidavits have been sent to Kobe Division, Diplomatic Section, as requested.

Letter to Cecile from her father discussing Pearl Harbor and World War 2.

Front: The text highlights what happened in the first weeks of the occupation of Japan. Photographs: General MacArthur receives Emperor Hirohito at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo -- Japanese officer reads demobilization order to Japanese troops in Tokyo -- Shinto priests -- Gen. Yamashita, on war-criminal list, has been arraigned in Manila -- American officers inspect records of the Bank of Japan in Tokyo. Back: Illustration of material goods arrayed on the outline of the United States is accompanied by text showing the good things of American life.

Letter to Cecile from her father about personal matters and the war.