US, Japanese fighter pilots promote peace in Asia-Pacific region

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KOMATSU JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENSE FORCE BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Fighter pilots and more than 160 other servicemembers from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are deployed here to support the largest exercise in the Asia-Pacific region Dec. 3 to 11.

"Japan and the United States are treaty allies, and as such, we are bound to defend and respond to any regional crisis or contingency situation within the Asia-Pacific region," said Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, the 14th Fighter Squadron commander and the Komatsu Det. commander for Air Force members.

Keen Sword, the tenth biennial Japan-wide exercise, is designed to provide Airmen an environment to practice and evaluate coordination procedures and interoperability elements required to effectively and mutually respond to the defense of Japan.

"The U.S. and JASDF members are operating in a combined fashion, working closely to become even better at their respective jobs," the colonel said.

The 14th FS pilots are actively engaging with the JASDF pilots to conduct missions throughout the country, and over the Sea of Japan, through constant coordination with the U.S. and Japanese Navy, Marine Corps and Army.

"We're stepping out to do defensive counter-air and suppression of enemy air-defense missions," the colonel said.

Hours before takeoff, the pilots are given air tasking orders that outline goals for the day's mission, ranging from protection of a Navy vessel to a simulated attack on enemy forces.

"For all missions, JASDF and the Air Force pilots prepare 24 hours before we actually fly together," said Capt. Miles Edwards, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and the chief of weapons and tactics for the 14th FS. "We'll discuss procedures, review tactics, techniques and set objectives.

"We're working well together in the air, and this exercise further establishes the partnership we have with Japan," he said.

Exercises such as Keen Sword build confidences among the U.S. and Japanese services, and provide an indispensable field-training environment for enhancing a mutual understanding of each other's tactics, communication protocols, procedures and general interoperability.

"Keen Sword lets us sharpen our sword and proves we are ready to go at a moment's notice," Colonel Steffens said. "We work closely with our allies and are well prepared to respond and defend the nation, while working together to promote peace in the region."