Yokota Airmen participate in large-force exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen and aircraft from the 374th Airlift Wing here participated in the Ryukyu Air Warrior exercise Feb. 22 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The exercise was designed to enhance aircrew exposure to large force exercises, inter-flying with different aircraft, air-to-air counter tactics and defensive maneuvering.

During the exercise, crewmembers saw how a large-force exercise is coordinated and executed. Yokota AB members interacted with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force members as they demonstrated how to prepare and execute their missions.

One of the benefits of working with JASDF members in this exercise was seeing how they operate, said Capt. Adam Shockley, the 35th Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics. Another benefit was the ability to learn from each other.

The exercise strengthened the working relationship between JASDF and Air Force members.

"It really helps out, ensuring the two nations' (militaries) work in harmony," Captain Shockley said.

Crewmembers worked together to ensure maintenance was done in a timely manner.

"There are a few things that need to be checked before getting the planes into the air, including ensuring that all job guides were listed, and making sure the flight deck was clean," said Senior Airman David Archer, a 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.

The planes flew in formation from Yokota AB to Kadena AB. Special station-keeping equipment installed in the aircraft allowed them to stay in formation, giving them an all-weather capability for air-delivery missions anywhere in the world.

"Everyone operates on a frequency, and you have a display that lets you know where the other aircraft are in relation to yourself," said Capt. Nathan Powell, a 36th Airlift Squadron pilot and mission commander. "We don't have the chance to fly high-altitude formation very often, and that is one of the benefits of participating in this exercise."