News>Kadena Airmen wrap up largest avionics training relocation
Photos
Three F-15 Eagles from the 44th Fighter Squadron train with Japan Air Self Defense Forces Nov. 17, 2010, off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. Twelve jets and nearly 200 Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, partcipated in an Aviation Training Relocation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike Tateishi)
Capt. Tim Wegner and 1st Lt. Aaron Stevens wait on the end of runway for weapons crews to complete their final checks on an F-15 Eagle Nov. 17, 2001, at Chitose Air Base, Japan. The jets "trained against" Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots out of Misawa AB, Japan. Captain Wegner and Lieutenant Stevens are from with the 44th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike Tateishi)
Three F-15 Eagles from the 44th Fighter Squadron train with Japan Air Self Defense Forces Nov. 17, 2010, off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. Twelve jets and nearly 200 Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, partcipated in an Aviation Training Relocation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike Tateishi)
11/19/2010 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Twelve F-15 Eagles and about 180 from here are wrapping up two weeks of bilateral training with Japan Air Self Defense Force members at Chitose Air Base in northern Japan.
The aviation training relocation program is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces while reducing the impact of training on local communities surrounding Kadena Air Base. The current ATR mission has been the largest and longest since the initiative began in 2007.
The JASDF's 2nd Wing at Chitose AB in Hokkaido flies many aircraft including F-15s. Kadena Airmen, mostly from the 44th Fighter Squadron, have been working side-by-side with their Japanese counterparts and have had many opportunities to interact with members of the JASDF and to see how they accomplish a similar mission.
"The best part has been seeing each one of our pilots, maintainers and our support staff getting to work with their counterparts as we've been putting together and getting ready for the mission each day," said Lt. Col. Joel Carey, the 44th FS commander. "Getting to come to a different location with different airspace, and coordination with different controlling agencies, prepares us for future contingencies that we may have to fight together."
Capt. Garth Wolber, an F-15 pilot from the 44th FS, flew with a JASDF F-15 pilot in a two-ship training sortie. After the mission, the captain said it was "really good training with excellent coordination" and he was very impressed with the skills of the JASDF pilot.
Many maintenance specialists spent time learning how their JASDF counterparts did the same job, as well as showing them how they do their job.
Although the training is important, the relationships and interactions will also be remembered.
Members spent time cleaning up the Chitose railroad station with JASDF members, as well as joined them in many social events, including an all-Airmen social, informal dinners and a 2nd Wing commander-sponsored evening social that brought together community leaders and leaders from both services.
"Of all the trips I've been on, this was the most interaction I've ever had," said Master Sgt. Scott Ragnone, the ATR first sergeant. "It's enjoyable to get to know our JASDF counterparts on a more social level."
Airmen also visited the Hokuto Pre-School in Chitose where they raked leaves, played with the children, sang songs and read a to the children.
"The kids were awesome," said Airman 1st Class Angel Gonzalez, a 44th FS life support team member. "My favorite part was dancing with them. I would love to do it again."
