Kadena Airmen live life of Japan self defense force

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Six Kadena Air Base NCOs recently had the opportunity to experience what life is like in the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

As part of the NCO Bilateral Exchange Program they traveled in JASDF aircraft Dec. 5 to Tsuiki Air Base in mainland Japan. There, they spent nine days living and working side-by-side JASDF airmen in similar jobs.

"We're planting a seed, if you will," said Chief Master Sgt. Clint Camac the 18th Wing command chief, who escorted the NCOs to their new assignments. "We plan to expand this program in the future to include more NCOs. Then, through cascade training and information sharing on both sides it continues to grow and develop. What we're working towards is interoperability where members of the U.S. Air Force and JASDF can work together, not separately."

This is the first time Tsuiki AB has played host of the exchange and the site of six Americans walking around the small, seaside air base was something of an oddity. Few Americans have visited the area since the base was turned over to the JASDF in 1957.

The situation was equally unusual for the Americans. Ten JASDF airmen typically live in one room and have a regimented schedule. There are no restaurants and concessions on base; only a dining facility, the gym and a small exchange are available to the 300 members living on base. Married airmen live off base because family members are not allowed on base.

Although the differences are obvious, the similarities might not be.

"I think what I'm getting most out of the exchange is finding out that they're not that much different," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hill the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"Many of the things they do every day are the same as what we do when we go to work. I kind of assumed that, but I wasn't sure," said the Kadena fire deparment's training and certification NCOIC. "I'm discovering that they are really a great bunch of people," he said.

"I'm thrilled to see how our wing mission and their mission, to promote stability in the Pacific, are one and the same," said Tech. Sgt. Donald Alexander of the 18th Operations Support Squadron.

Although working from different flight regulations and airfield layouts, most of the things, like being a good leader and setting the example, are the same here, said the Detroit Airman.

"The teamwork between me and my sponsor has been great," he said. "My sponsor has been there every step taking me through the job. We've been able to discuss a little of his base's history and our history at Kadena. We've also talked about the NCO corps in JASDF and the U.S. Air Force. We're able to talk about schooling and other opportunities in our service."

Defense force Staff Sgt. Mayumi Ishikawa, of the Tsuiki supply squadron, was equally happy with the exchange.

"I think it's very important for the future," she said. "I wanted to do this."

She said at first she was apprehensive because she pictured her counterpart being very tall. "But since we're the same size it makes it much easier to communicate," she said.

Her American counterpart, Staff Sgt. Arin Jacobs, 733d Air Mobility Squadron, said her goal was to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to get a new perspective. Many of the participants had similar hopes.

"The good thing about this is getting to know different people," said Staff Sgt. Creig Smith, 18 CES. "Even though the language barrier is there, these are great people."

In addition to the language barrier, one NCO got to see another side of his career field.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Heaton, 353rd Maintenance Squadron, normally works on a C-130 Hercules but is now working with JASDF fighters. He said he still sees similarities.

"I think other Airmen would be surprised that other countries work just like we do and it is possible to work hand-in-hand with them," he said.

The exchange program is sponsored by the Japan American Air Force Goodwill Association. The next exchange will be in March when JASDF Airmen come to Kadena.

Comment on this story (include name, location, and rank if applicable)