Los Angeles, CA (March 25, 2011): Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Maytag Aircraft Corporation—one of the nation’s top government contract service companies—has seen a dramatic increase in its operations in Japan following the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami as well as in Italy in support of U.S. operations over Libya.

“I am extremely proud of our team members in Japan and Italy. They have moved to 24/7 operations under tough circumstances and have delivered day in and day out,” said Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, Inc. 

At Misawa Air Base in Japan, located approximately 200 miles north of the quake's epicenter, Maytag personnel provide air terminal and ground handling operations in support of the only joint service installation in the western Pacific with units representing all four U.S. services as well as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 

According to Christopher Barnett, Maytag’s alternate station manager at Misawa, “the strength of the quake was unimaginable as the ground felt like it became liquid…there were ten foot ripples literally running through the ground that looked like ocean waves coming ashore.”  Maytag personnel immediately instituted emergency 12 hour shifts so the airfield was covered on a 24/7 basis following the earthquake.

“Many of our team members had to leave panicked family members and damaged homes behind to support Operation Tomodachi,” said Barnett.  Operation Tomodachi is the American response to help the people of Japan.  On one day alone, Maytag personnel coordinated the offloading of one million pounds of relief supplies.

At Aviano Air Base, a NATO Air Base under U.S. Air Force administration in northeastern Italy, Maytag personnel have gone to 24/7 operations in support of U.S. efforts over Libya.  Maytag personnel are responsible for the bulk jet-fuel storage and distribution at Aviano. 

“Without question, I recognize and appreciate the extraordinary efforts shown by our team members in Japan and Italy.  I am especially grateful to our station manager, Steven Wright, and his team members in Japan who put the support of Operation Tomodachi ahead of their own needs and the needs of their families.  This level of commitment is what sets Maytag apart. Our people are our greatest asset,” said David Nelson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Maytag Aircraft Corporation.