A Cost Analysis of the Department of the Navy Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

Abstract

On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami triggered overwhelming destruction and loss that had global implications. Because of the random nature of disasters, funding for response efforts is not currently included in the budget submitted for the Department of Defense. Thus, when the Department of the Navy responds to a natural disaster and provides humanitarian assistance, great fiscal costs are incurred, which must be accurately tracked and reported for reimbursement. This project investigates the response of the U.S. Navy following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The objective of this research is to analyze the operating costs associated with each DoN vessel and aircraft type. In order to determine the most cost-effective platform(s) the Navy should use when responding to a disaster, an in-depth analysis of all direct and indirect costs associated is provided. As a result, this analysis will provide senior leaders and policy makers with timely operational and financial policy recommendations to better prepare for unforeseen events in the future.