Japanese military key member of coalition

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

"I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part in this operation," said Col. Atsushi Nishino, commander of the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing. "(Our mission is crucial) because reconstruction and stabilizing Iraq is important for global stability and peace, not only in the Middle East."

Their primary mission here is to provide airlift support to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces in Samawah, Iraq. But with reconstruction well under way in that area, the ground forces will start withdrawing in July. However, officials with the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing plan to remain here and continue providing support as part of the coalition.

"Doing this important mission (here) with troops who have the same goals -- stabilizing and reconstructing Iraq -- is a wonderful thing," Colonel Nishino said.

At home, the JASDF's mission is to preserve peace, stability and independence for its nation. The role of forces here involves gaining the support of the Iraqi people.

"The JASDF partnership is key to the coalition victory in the war on terrorism," said Col. Timothy Hale, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "The support of their heroic humanitarian missions demonstrates that the resolve to bring peace to this region is shared by dozens of nations, each bringing unique skills to the battle for the hearts of the Iraqi people."

The Japanese airlift wing includes about 200 troops on four-month rotations. Since the first group arrived in December 2003, they have flown more than 325 sorties and carried more than 460 tons of cargo.

"I feel working with coalition forces contributes to rising reliability and understanding among (each other)," Colonel Nishino said.

The wing is also responsible for moving cargo for humanitarian support activities from their homeland, and transporting Multi-national Force Iraq members and other servicemembers around the theater.

To perform this wide-ranging mission the JASDF relies on a group of C-130s and Airmen with varied backgrounds and expertise. They include civil engineers, flight engineers, maintenance officers and technicians, medics, navigators, pilots, security forces and logisticians.

Being co-located in a deployed environment has given the JASDF and Air Force quite a few opportunities to work together. The two units commonly share equipment, swap information and participate in each other's activities.

"I appreciate (the Air Force's) support," Colonel Nishino said of the sharing of information, aircraft parts and services. "This support helps us a lot with our safety and certain operational and welfare for my troops."

And working side-by-side with the Air Force at a forward location for the first time has also been an opportunity to build relationships for some members of both armed services branches.

"It has been a phenomenal experience to renew friendships with warriors from a nation I know well," Colonel Hale said. "As a commander at Yokota Air Base, Japan, a number of years ago, I grew to love the people and culture of Japan. It is a pleasure to work shoulder to shoulder to bring peace to this region and demonstrate our long and lasting friendship and camaraderie to the people of this area."

"I think (our deployment here) contributes to rising reliability of the alliance between the U.S and Japan," Colonel Nishino said. "I think this is a wonderful thing."