Partners from Down Under

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen station in Japan have received a rare opportunity recently to work hand-in-hand with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Airmen from Yokota and Kadena air bases have been working together to perform sorties with the RAAF's 36th Squadron, in a unified attempt to aid the people of Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, March 11.

"U.S. Forces, as well as Japanese nationals, have been very receptive to our part in helping out," said RAAF Sergeant Chris Voight, a 36th Squadron loadmaster.

Members of the 36th Squadron agreed with Sergeant Voight in saying that the experience has been a positive one.

"Working with the U.S. Air Force at Yokota is great," said RAAF Warrant Officer Ray Maconachie, a 36th Squadron loadmaster. "Without them, the transition wouldn't have been as smooth. Their professionalism and the services that they've provided us have been top notch."

The RAAF has returned the favor many times by transporting relief supplies to Sendai, Japan, almost daily. In addition to cargo, the RAAF crews have also been transporting U.S. Marines to Kadena AB and Sendai, whenever space is available.

"I think it's great that we can work together," said  Marine Master Sgt. James Miller, the 35th Combat Logistics Battalion operations chief. "With such a small military, it's impressive to see how the RAAF has used its resources to help alongside us in giving aid to Japan after this natural disaster. We had a hard time getting aid to Sendai at first, but it started coming. After the RAAF arrived, however, it really started rolling in. We couldn't have done it without them."

When their assistance was requested, the members of the 36th Squadron showed themselves ready for the task.

"The Australian attitude is to help out anyone in need, and this isn't an exception," Voight said." The people affected by the disaster need the supplies, and, with the Americans' help, we get the job done."