Military officials say an Air Force jet used to track radiation has been temporarily assigned to Eielson Air Force Base in response to the nuclear crisis in Japan. Air Force spokesman Sgt. James Stewart said the U.S. Pacific Command requested a WC-135 last week as a "prudent measure to support possible contingencies."

Stewart said the aircraft will support U.S. humanitarian operations in Japan.

He said the jet's Eielson stay is temporary.

The nuclear power plant in Japan began experiencing equipment failures and radiation leaks since it was flooded by tsunami waves triggered by the March 11 earthquake off the east coast of Japan.