U.S., Japan forces conduct bilateral training

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots are practicing defensive missions with U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors in bilateral fighter pilot training March 16 through 19 over Kadena Air Base.

American Airmen regularly conduct joint, combined and bilateral training from the base to defend Japan to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Leading the Okinawa deployment of 12 F-22s and 250 personnel is Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. This is the second such deployment of the squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., to the island since February 2007. The colonel said the stealth aircraft is a force multiplier that brings three critical capabilities to the fight. 

"First, it is the best fighter in the world at defending an island such as Okinawa. Second, it can strike deep, quickly and precisely like no other fighter," the colonel said. "Finally, the F-22 uses its integrated avionics to pass unprecedented situational awareness to other aircraft. In that way, the F-22 makes every aircraft around it better. Each time the F-22 trains with allies such as Japan we make the joint and coalition fighting force more effective."

FILE PHOTO - An F-22 Raptor shoots out a flare during an air combat training mission @ Kadena
Source: US Air Force

To practice defending Japan, 18th Wing pilots at Kadena AB fighter routinely train with Japan Air Self Defense Force fighter squadrons during regularly scheduled aircraft relocation training at Japan Air Self Defense Force bases in mainland Japan. Airmen of the 18th Wing also recently conducted bilateral combat search and rescue training during Cope Angel 2009. 

The training demonstrates America's commitment to the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance, said Brig. Gen. Brett T. Williams, the 18th Wing commander. 

"We always welcome the opportunity to train with the JASDF," General Williams said. 

Calling the U.S.-Japan alliance a cornerstone of security in the Western Pacific, General Williams also emphasized the importance of Kadena AB as a power projection platform.

FILE PHOTO - An F-22 Raptor taxies down the ramp for a mission at Kadena Air Base, Japan
Source: US Air Force

"Okinawa is clearly in a strategically important location," the general said. "Our long standing bilateral relations with Japan help us to maintain peace and stability throughout the entire region." 

General Williams, an F-15 Eagle pilot with more than 3,600 flight hours, added that bilateral training is the key to maintaining peace. 

"To stay ready to fly, fight and win, we must continue to train together," General Williams said. "The surest way to avoid conflicts is to be ready for them."

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