Japanese civic leaders get taste of Kadena mission

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Hutcheson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  More than 30 business and industry leaders from the Tokyo area visited Kadena Air Base Feb. 18 through 19 as part of a civic leader tour sponsored by the Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association here.

The group received a mission brief from Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, the 18th Wing commander, and toured the flightline.

The Civic leaders viewed F-15E Strike Eagle, HH-60G Pave Hawk and KC-135 Stratotanker static displays and they spoke to aircrews about what it takes to operate the aircraft.

In his remarks to the group, General Wilsbach highlighted the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. - Japan Mutual Security Treaty and stressed that the relative peace and security in the region over the last half century has been due in large part to the strong mutual cooperation between U.S. and Japanese officials.

"These visits are an important part of our outreach efforts," General Wilsbach said. "By opening up our doors to nationwide industry leaders and opinion makers and educating them on Kadena's (AB) strategic role in U.S. - Japan security, we can create better advocates for the base and the alliance."

For the tour participants, the visit to Kadena AB was a once in a lifetime chance to see the largest U.S. air base in the Pacific and to gain a better understanding of its mission.

"The U.S.-Japan treaty allows us to have a trade relationship with U.S. bases," said Shinji Sasaki of Marubeni Aerospace Corp. "This tour provides a better understanding of the different types of aircraft in the U.S. inventory."

"JAAGA members, as well as our supporting members, appreciated the opportunity to observe the current conditions of Kadena (AB) with our own eyes," said Maj. Gen. Arai. "I appreciate the support and friendships you provide us."

JAAGA was founded in 1996 by retired officers of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as a way to promote trust, cooperation and understanding between the JASDF and Air Force officials.