Could something as simple as tying engine wires by hand instead of by tool bring two allies closer together? For Staff Sgt. Aiko Koba and Senior Airman Airica Velazquez, it means gaining a greater appreciation for what they do for their respective air force.

Sergeant Koba is one of seven Japan Air Self-Defense Force noncommissioned officers on duty here since March 13 as part of the U.S. Air Force-JASDF Bilateral Exchange Program. Each of them works alongside a Kadena NCO in a similar career field during the 10-day program.

“(Sergeant Koba) has taught me more than I have probably taught her,” Airman Velazquez, an F-15 engine mechanic with the 18th Component Maintenance Squadron said. “She has worked on these engines before, so it’s really helped me out.”

One of the new tricks involves tying safety wires on the engine. Certain bolts on engines have safety holes into which wires are tied to make sure the bolts don’t come out during flight.

“We use a tool to do the twists; 12 twists per inch,” Airman Velazquez said. “Sergeant Koba is very picky. She ties them by hand, and she’s just as fast. It shows more discipline and respect for the work.”

Sergeant Koba, who is trained to work on eight types of engines, downplays her method. “I’m not so good (at it),” she said.

It might not change the technical order for tying safety bolts, but it’s designed to enhance NCO relationships, share culture and professional military ideas and gain a better understanding of allied operations.

This exchange is one of dozens that have occurred since 1996. Headquarters 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan, manages and plans the program from a strategic perspective for all bases in Japan: Kadena on Okinawa and Misawa and Yokota on mainland Japan.

"This program provides members of the U.S. Air Force and JASDF an opportunity to continue to learn about each other, their militaries, their nations and their cultures," said Chief Master Sgt. James Roy, command chief master sergeant for 5th AF and U.S. Forces Japan. "One of the greatest benefits of an assignment here is the opportunity to live and work together with our Japanese partners and continue to build a strong alliance. Our very strong alliance is key to combating terrorism and defending Japan."

Since it’s a bilateral exchange program, the JASDF reciprocates. In February, Kadena sent six of its NCOs to Nyutabaru Air Base on mainland Japan to spend 10 days working alongside their JASDF counterparts at the Japanese F-15 base.

The program “allows American and Japanese air force members the opportunity to exchange work ethics and new ideas, cross cultural values and improve social community relations,” Master Sgt. Thomas Scott, the 18th Wing bilateral coordinator, said.

He has helped put together NCO exchanges here since 2001.

“I have yet to hear any participant say anything other than that this is an awesome program,” he explained. “One thing they all have in common is that they wish their coworkers could have shared the great opportunity and experience. If given the chance, they would all do it again.”

At Kadena’s Okinawa Radar Approach Control (or RAPCON) Center, Staff Sgt. Masahiro Cho and Tech. Sgt. Shin Kawahara, both airborne traffic surveillance specialists for the JASDF, observed how U.S. controllers send out advisories and safety messages to all aircraft coming in and out of Okinawa.

“We have identified some improvements, making communications quicker,” said Senior Airman Chris Weber, one of the controllers sponsoring the JASDF NCOs.

This enhanced interoperability streamlines the communication process. “We learn more about the coordination aspect, which is one of the most important things we do,” Master Sgt. Richard Scafe, a RAPCON watch supervisor, said. “Not only do we understand how they do this on their end, it’s helpful to us that they see how we handle the aircraft on this end. It is actually helping me to work better with them on a daily basis.”

Sergeant Kawahara said he has now overcome his fear of speaking English.

“Conversation in English is very exciting,” he said. “I am not afraid to speak English now. Understanding each other is important, and in the future I will understand the U.S. Air Force better.”