PACAF command chief meets with Japanese airmen

  • Published
  • By MC3 Jason Segedy
  • Air Force Print News
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  The command chief master sergeant for Pacific Air Forces stopped by Kumagaya Air Base last week to meet with Japanese Air Self Defense Force, or JASDF, members and tour the base.

Kumagaya Air Base is home to the Fourth and Second JASDF Technical Training Schools, and serves as their basic training course.

"We took the opportunity to observe how Japanese Airmen are learning air defense knowledge," Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop said. "They're taught ground and aircraft radar at the very youngest level and it gives us something to compare our basic training to."

While touring the base, Chief Bishop spoke to high-ranking JASDF officials about the NCO exchange program and other upcoming chances to further the JASDF and U.S. Air Force bilateral relationship.

"What we find each and every time we interact with our JASDF counterparts is we're blessed to get to serve here in the country of Japan," Chief Bishop said.

JASDF personnel and Chief Bishop completed the tour with a traditional gift exchange. The generosity of his Japanese hosts meant a lot to the chief.

"They're great hosts, great allies, and they themselves are great Airmen," the chief said.

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