Coalition exchange tours enhance vital partnership

  • Published
  • By Capt. Suzanne VanderWeyst
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition air forces have proved instrumental in the continued success of airlift missions for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This was exemplified in July as the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group conducted C-130 Hercules aircraft exchange tours with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force's Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing and the Republic of Korea Air Force's 58th Airlift Wing maintainers in Southwest Asia.

The tours were a first time ever event for the coalition maintenance exchange program here, which exists to promote better ways of doing maintenance to keep planes in the air, and the mission on target.

The C-130 aircraft tours kicked off with JASDF maintainers having an up-close view of an Air Force EC-130, operated by the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron. They were able to experience the unique warfighting mission of this unique Air Force C-130 model.

1st Lt. David Marques, 386th Silver Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge, led the tour, explaining the mission of the EC-130, its general functions and the importance of the aircraft in the war on terror through electronic attack.

"This is very significant for us," said Col. Watanabe, JASDF vice commander. "We have little opportunity to see the EC-130 and we express our sincere appreciation for the Air Force, not only for today's tour, but their entire support."

At the end of the tour, Lieutenant Marques presented a Silver AMU photo plaque of appreciation and a "proud" patch of the EC-130 flyers to the JASDF wing commander, Col. T. Seki.

"We have very restricted influences on our JASDF compound, so this way [our members] can experience more of the mission," Colonel Seki said. "This [learning] will be or should be very helpful to use for operating our mission."

ROKAF 58th Airlift Wing maintainers and commanders also got a tour of one of the 386th AEW maintained EC-130s, which was also a first for many of the ROKAF members. It was a chance to see the enhancer and learn what technology can do on a C-130 aircraft.

"[The] idea of maintenance is a little different between the maintenance system of ROKAF and U.S., so we help each other progress," said Lt. Col. Park, 58th Airlift Wing chief of maintenance.

During the final week, maintenance members of the 386th EMXG received tours of the ROKAF 58th Airlift Wing C-130s and the JASDF C-130. Several 386th AEW members noticed a few modifications and applauded the creativity for adjustments such as windows and seats in certain places.

The maintenance exchange program between the 386th EXMG and coalition air forces' maintainers formally started in January and continues to progress. It includes formal meetings every two weeks to exchange ideas and techniques to improve processes, as well as exchanging technicians to spend time on one another's ramps to learn hands-on techniques. The relationships that the 386th EMXG has with coalition air forces are so positive, however, that outside of the formal program commanders and team members maintain daily communication.

"We don't wait until the meetings; we communicate expeditiously and keep the communication lines always open," said Lt. Col. Jose Segui, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group deputy commander.

They also provide integrated capabilities to one another beyond the exchange program settings. Last month, the JASDF allowed a U.S. Air Force C-130 to be temporarily housed in one of their hangars for 386th EMXG maintainers to repair the aircraft, saving many hours compared to if it was done outside on the ramp.

"The synchronized and integrated C-130 maintenance capabilities among our coalition air forces and our wing here provide the backbone of airlift missions to the theater, "said Col. Herbert Phillips, 386th EXMG commander. "Our relationship is great within our coalition exchange program and we are grateful to be able to be each other's resources to have the best maintenance possible."

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