U.S., Japanese servicemembers partner for nationwide training exercise

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KOMATSU AIR SELF DEFENSE FORCE BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are teaming up with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts at this central-Japan air base in support of a Japan-wide exercise Dec. 3 through 10.

Airmen from Misawa and Kunsan air bases in Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived at Komatsu AB where they will spend the next 10 days working alongside JASDF service members to conduct bilateral operations.

During exercise Keen Sword 2011, servicemembers will practice responding to a wide range of events, including the defense of the region and reacting to a simulated contingency situation affecting Japan, within a realistic training environment.

"The 14th Fighter Squadron (Airmen) from Misawa are dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our Japanese counterparts during Keen Sword, as well as our fellow servicemembers in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Army," said Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, the 14th Fighter Squadron commander. 

Airmen also coordinate with American and Japanese airborne weapons and control systems, Army ground controllers and Navy ships during the simulated fights, said Capt. Ruben Amezaga, a 14 FS pilot and project manager for the concurrent aviation training relocation.

The exercise provides an indispensable field-training environment for enhancing mutual understanding of each country's tactics, communication protocols, procedures and general interoperability, the captain said.

Verbal communication isn't always easy, and through various forms of signals and a mutual, thorough understanding of the rules of engagement, American Airmen and their JASDF counterparts are able to share their messages and accomplish the mission, Captain Amezaga said.

"By overcoming and working through the different boundaries, we are able to better enhance our communication skills, and learn new and different standards of procedures," he said.

The field training exercise is the tenth joint-bilateral field training exercise since 1986 involving Japan Self Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

"Planning for Keen Sword 2011 began more than one year ago," Colonel Steffens said. "Its ultimate goals are facilitating bilateral interaction and improving the interoperability of U.S. forces and Japan Self Defense Forces towards our common defense and towards stability in northeast Asia."