Over a week ago, two Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams were deployed to Japan by the U.S. Agency for International Development, at the request of the Japanese government.  The teams were sent to support search and rescue efforts after the tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.

Yesterday, Virginia Task Force 1 and Los Angeles Task Force 2 safely arrived home after their nine day mission.  Here are some links to local news coverage about the teams' mission and return home:

• Virginia Task Force 1 home from Japan (WTTG, Washington DC)
• Members of LA Search and Rescue Team Return From Japan (KABC-TV, Los Angeles)

Join us in saying "thank you" to the US&R team members and their families.  For more information on US&R teams and FEMA, check out these blog posts:

• Tsunami Update 4: Urban Search & Rescue deploying to Japan
• In Photos: Urban Search and Rescue Team Deploying to Japan
• U.S. Urban Search & Rescue Team Deploying to New Zealand