U.S., Japanese Airmen train together during air refueling

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  • By Master Sgt. Val Gempis
  • Air Force Print News
NYUTABARU AIR BASE, Japan --  American fighter pilots are helping Japanese airmen expand their F-15 Eagle combat capabilities during hands-on air-to-air bilateral refueling training here.

The Japanese F-15 aircraft mechanical refueling capability is identical to U.S. Air Force F-15s. However, it was not until Japanese officials decided to acquire refueling aircraft that Japanese forces started training in this area.

“The goal of this training is to help (Japanese airmen) learn techniques and procedures so they’ll become proficient at air refueling,” said Maj. Brian Kelly, an F-15 pilot and chief of fighter operations for joint/bilateral exercises at 5th Air Force headquarters at Yokota Air Base, Japan. “This program also strengthens the foundation of interoperability which is fundamental to effective combined operations such as bilateral training exercises as well as increasing our effectiveness to operate together for the homeland defense of Japan.”

“This is a great opportunity for both our forces to work together,” said Japanese Lt. Col. Hiroyuki Watanabe, 203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron commander at Chitose AB, Japan. “We have very experienced pilots, but aerial refueling is something new to us. We’ve never done it before, and we’re very excited to learn.”

Since April 17, four U.S. and 16 Japanese fighter crews have worked side by side here daily. The loud roar of F-15 jets is heard day and night as Japanese pilots, under the watchful eyes of Americans in the back seat, took to the sky to hook up with U.S. Air Force tankers over the Pacific Ocean. U.S. Airmen said they were very impressed with the excellent flying skills of the Japanese pilots.

“These guys are high-time fliers,” said Maj. Malcolm Kemeny, an F-15 pilot with the 18th Operations Group at Kadena AB, Japan. “Some have thousands of hours in F-15s. They fly formation very well. They know how to use their radars. They’re great students.”

Aerial refueling is transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight, allowing the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer and also take off with a heavier payload. This increases its range and effectiveness, Major Kemeny said.

When called upon to deploy anywhere in the world, aerial refueling allows U.S. forces to respond rapidly, he said. Without aerial refueling most strategic and tactical air missions could never be undertaken. Although aerial refueling is generally safe today, it is a challenging skill to learn because two aircraft come together in the air at about 350 mph, he said.

“Communication is important,” said Maj. Brian Bergeron, an instructor pilot with the 325th Operations Support Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. “We give (Japanese) pilots academics daily; we brief together as a group before a flight. We also hold one-on-one instruction to ensure everyone understands each other."

“We’ve learned a lot about aerial refueling,” said Japanese Capt. Tomoda Kaname, an F-15 pilot. “The American pilots are very good. They have a lot of experience in real combat.” The Japanese forces’ biggest challenge, however, is the language, he said.

“We make sure we use standard terms. We use simple words. We choose our language carefully,” said Maj. John Ferry, an F-15 pilot from the 2nd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall. Normally during flight, pilots talk to one another, but during training here both U.S. and Japanese aviators tend to be quiet to avoid distraction, he said.

“I want to make sure that when I say something the students will interpret it correctly and not put (themselves) in danger,” Major Ferry said.

Officials here said that extensive procedures have been developed to ensure safe operations.

Japanese crews have a very high level of proficiency and interest in how U.S. pilots employ tactics, said Capt. Tony Dicarlo, an F-15 pilot from the 67th FS at Kadena.

“They don’t miss the opportunity to ask questions,” he said. “They have a constant quest for knowledge. They’re extremely fast learners.” He said air refueling is a relatively tense and complex operation that takes time to learn.

Japanese 1st Lt. Taro Irita, an F-15 pilot, recalls the first time he flew a night refueling sortie.

“It was nerve-wracking approaching the tanker in the dark. It was also hard to see the boom,” he said.

But he said he followed what U.S. Airmen told him to do. He moved the aircraft slowly and conservatively behind the tanker. He used the guide lights under the tanker to maneuver into position. He used “smooth control” to align his aircraft with the end of the boom. Within minutes, 4,000 pounds of fuel were pumped into his jet.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “With a little more practice, I’ll be very good at air refueling.”

This is the third time U.S. and Japanese pilots have trained together since 2003. In March, the Japanese airmen observed air-to-air refueling firsthand while riding in the back seat of 67th FS F-15s during a familiarization week at Kadena. The training here will end April 29.