Yokota Participates in Ryukyu Air Warrior Exercise
By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - 374th Airlift Wing personnel and aircraft participated in the Ryukyu Air Warrior exercise at Kadena Air Base Feb. 22.
The exercise was designed to enhance aircrew exposure to Large Force Exercises, inter-flying with different aircraft, air-to-air counter tactics and defensive maneuvering.
The exercise gave crewmembers an opportunity to see how an LFE is coordinated and executed. It allowed Yokota members an opportunity to interact with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and demonstrated how to prepare and execute their missions.
One of the benefits of working with the JASDF in this exercise was seeing how they operate, said Capt. Adam Shockley, 35th Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics. Another benefit, he said, was the ability to learn from each other.
The purpose of the exercise was to ensure we were in-tune with one another and working along side each other to the same goal.
"By doing these different types of exercises, we're ensuring that we're not going off in different tangents," said Capt. Shockley.
The exercise strengthened the working relationship between the JASDF and the U.S. Air Force.
"It really helps out, ensuring the two nations' [militaries] work in harmony," said Capt. Shockley.
Crews worked together to ensure maintenance was done in a timely manner.
"There are a few things that need to be checked before getting the planes into the air, including insuring that all job guides were listed, and making sure the flight deck was clean," said Senior Airman David Archer, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.
The planes flew in formation from Yokota to Kadena. Special station-keeping equipment installed in the aircraft allowed them to stay in formation, giving them an all-weather capability for air-delivery missions anywhere in the world.
"Everyone operates on a frequency, and you have a display that lets you know where the other aircraft are in relation to yourself," said Capt. Nathan Powell, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot and mission commander. "We don't have the chance to fly high-altitude formation very often, and that is one of the benefits of participating in this exercise."
This article was originally published at: http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123193152
(Posted Mar. 04, 2010)