An earthquake measuring a devastating 8.8 magnitude struck Japan on 11 March 2011.  A SCDF search team (5 search specialists and 5 search dogs) left Singapore for Japan on 12 March 2011 at 1044hrs,  to assist in the search operations.

Led by Search Platoon Commander, MAJ Tan Loo Ping, the team comprised experienced officers who had all participated in past overseas search and rescue operations. MAJ Tan and three of the officers were also part of the Christchurch, New Zealand contingent.  They were deployed on a back-to-back mission to Japan.

The assistance rendered to Japan represents the 13th overseas mission undertaken by the Ops Lionheart contingent since 1990.