U.S., Japan forces join together for bilateral exchange

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Barnett
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force members assigned to Misawa Air Base took part in a bilateral exchange May 15 here to help enhance relations between the two nations.

The purpose of the exchange is to build and maintain a strong bilateral relationship in pursuit of a joint mission, and promote mutual understanding and friendship, said Master Sgt. Dan Moss, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager.

"We've had bilateral exchanges for 11 years now -- two this year -- that involved the Japanese traveling here from other bases," Sergeant Moss said. "But this is the first exchange involving Japanese stationed at Misawa."

The week began with American Airmen visiting JASDF work stations and shops. The Airmen were greeted and introduced to how their jobs translated into the Japanese aircraft. The bilateral exchange involved several shops within maintenance including engine, hydraulics, aircraft crew chiefs, aircraft structural maintenance and aerospace group equipment shops.

"Above all, this exchange is designed to build friendships, learn from each other and see how differently we do the same jobs," said Tech. Sgt. Marcus Sydow, the propulsion shop nonpowered age NCO in charge.

"This is a great way for us to see how the Japanese handle business, and for them to see how we do," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Bilger, an aerospace propulsion mechanic. "There are a number of differences."

He compared communication methods of American and Japanese servicemembers.

"We spread information through e-mails and their supervision talks to them directly," Sergeant Bilger said. "They don't use e-mail in the same way we do. We also store our instructions electronically on laptops. They use books, so they were very impressed when we showed them our laptops." 

"I am impressed at the size of the shop and equipment, it is a lot bigger than ours," said JASDF Staff Sgt. Masanobu Suzuki. 

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