Tsuiki ATR exercise concludes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TSUIKI AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  The departure of the final two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Tsuiki Air Base March 12 signaled the end of a weeklong aviation training relocation exercise between the 35th Fighter Wing from Misawa AB, Japan and the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

Approximately 90 Airmen and five F-16s were deployed from Misawa AB to Tsuiki AB for the ATR where pilots conducted air combat training with JASDF F-12s and F-15s.

"The opportunity to fly with the JASDF during this ATR has increased operation readiness and bilateral interoperability for both U.S. and Japanese forces," said Maj. Chris Eberth, the Tsuiki ATR detachment commander assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron. "Flying with the F-2s and F-15s here at Tsuiki (AB) has improved our ability to fly against different weapons systems and opposing strategies, providing a realistic training environment."

While poor weather led to the cancellation of some training missions, the overall objective was met and the ATR was a success, Major Eberth said.

"Anytime we have the opportunity to train with our JASDF partners is beneficial to our working relationship and the overall U.S.-Japan alliance," Major Eberth said. "With this training, I believe both the U.S. Air Force and our JASDF partners walked away with an improved understanding of each others tactics and capabilities."