 Throughout the fleet and around the world, sailors, Marines and members of Japanese communities gathered for a moment of silence. The Remembrance ceremonies honor the third anniversary of the Great East Japan earthquake. Japan experienced a powerful 9.0 magnitude earthquake March 11, 2011, triggering a massive tsunami which devastated Japan's eastern seaboard. The earthquake and tsunami claimed more than 15,000 lives. Sailors and Marines responded with humanitarian aid, including search and rescue and much-needed relief supplies. U.S. ships and aircraft supported relief efforts alongside the Japanese. At a Remembrance Ceremony aboard USS Bonham-Rishard, Marine Colonel John Myrna said sailors and Marines are encouraged to keep the people of Japan and the victims of the 2011 disasters in their thoughts and prayers. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Jenna Blake.