Pacific Typhoon Scored Only Minor Damage on Exchanges in Japan

The damaged roof of the Japan Distribution Center at Yokota AB.

The Exchanges in the Pacific Region suffered no major damage from Typhoon Trami, although the roof over the cold storage unit of the Japan Distribution Center on mainland Japan at Yokota AB was damaged.

“In the face of the typhoon, our infrastructure, organization and our well-trained team members made it possible for Exchange services and facilities to be available for our customers’ needs both before and after the storm,” said Col. Scott Maskery, commander of the Exchange’s Pacific Region.

“The heart of the story is our resilience, perseverance and the strong sense of community across the Pacific Region.”

Damage to the Exchanges were mostly exterior signs, gas pumps, drive-thru menu boards and ceiling tiles. Some stores closed early before the storm hit, but re-opened after Trami blew over. About 40 percent of Exchange associates on Okinawa lost power in their houses.

“The heart of the story is our resilience, perseverance and the

Debris and damaged signs at Camp Courtney Express on Okinawa.

strong sense of community across the Pacific Region.”

-Col. Scott Maskery, commander, Exchange Pacific Region

Jeovany Garza, manager of the Exchange’s Japan DC, said winds were strong enough to damage protective layers on the warehouse’s cold storage area. But all associates were “in good health” and not affected.

“The team is working diligently to ensure there are no disruptions to order fulfillment and continue to operate at 100 percent,” Garza said.

Toppled gas pumps at Kadena AB on Okinawa.

Packing gusts of up to 134 mph, Typhoon Trami ripped through Japan on Sept. 20, killing two, injuring at least 120 people and zapping power to 750,000 homes.

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