Yokota airmen perform tactical flight operations with JASDF

Photo caption:

U.S. Air Force Maj. Chris Wolff, 374th Airlift Wing Air Force safety division lead, briefs U.S. Air Force and Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) Airmen about the importance of in-flight safety, at Yokota Air Base, Nov. 4, 2021. The purpose of the training was to build a stronger bilateral foundation between the 401st TAS and 36th AS and to familiarize the Koku-Jieitai Airmen with flying in Yokota's airspace.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) Airmen assigned to the Komaki Air Base 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, and U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, trained on and performed tactical flight operations at Yokota Air Base, Nov. 5.

The purpose of the training was to build a stronger bilateral foundation between the 401st TAS and 36th AS and to familiarize the Koku-Jieitai Airmen with flying in Yokota’s airspace.

“The training allowed JASDF pilots and aircrew to re-acclimate themselves to the unique characteristics of Yokota’s airspace and runway training environment,” said Lt. Col. Steven Massie, 36th AS commander. “Yokota has the strategic advantage of its location to support airlift operations and training anywhere in the Indo-Pacific. That caliber of tactical flight training is difficult to obtain anywhere else in Japan.”

The training topics included Mid-Air Collision Avoidance, local tactical flying, an Air Traffic Control tower tour, and a C-130J Super Hercules static display demonstration.

After the training, JASDF Airmen conducted two sorties utilizing the Yokota airfield, specifically its low-level tactical arrivals and painted assault zone, to actualize and put into motion their training. 

“This opportunity continued to build on the strong relationship between the 401st TAS and the 36th AS, setting the conditions for future interoperability,” said Massie.

Training with international partners rapidly advances our ability to conduct multilateral air operations across the region.