Misawa hosts visiting F-15s for war games

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 14th Fighter Squadron has taken the saying, "When the cat's away ..." to the next level in the absence of Misawa's Panther Squadron. Members here joined with a team of pilots from the 67th Fighter Squadron, out of Kadena Air Base Japan, to play in a unique aerial combat exercise Seikan War, which concluded here last week. 

F-15s deployed here and teamed with Misawa's F-16 pilots and the Japanese Air Self Defense Forces who hosted and participated in the four day training exercise which began July 17. 

One pilot said the training was a great opportunity to improve bilateral relations and skills. 

"The training went very well," said Maj. Robert Petty an F-16 pilot from the 14th Fighter Squadron. "The exercise gave us an opportunity to actually train with the JASDF. With the visiting F-15s from Kadena, we are able to practice together using tactics of how to deploy as a large force against a known or unknown entity." 

Following the realignment agreement discussed in May by United States representatives and Japanese Foreign and Defense Ministers, this training represents a continued emphasis of both countries working together for peace and stability of the region. 

One element of this war training was the ability to move a combat capable force to another location and set up shop. 

Nearly 78 personnel, that included maintainers and 12 pilots, traveled to Misawa to make the visit of Kadena's F-15s a success. 

The training included small scale engagements as well as large scale tactics, which included ten or more aircraft in one fight. 

"We practice coordinating with a number of different types of airplanes - taking advantage of the different capabilities of each to make a more effective mission," said Col. Doug Carney, an F-15 pilot from Kadena. 

Colonel Carney admits that this training is not paired to an actual war plan coordinating the efforts of the U.S. and Japanese militaries. Instead, it serves as a chance to experience valuable lessons in bilateral tactics and combat skills. 

The most valuable lesson learned, according to Colonel Carney is this sort of training should be increased. 

"We should do this more often," he said. "Even though we fly the same or similar airplanes, we have different methods of employing and executing. That is why exercises like Seikan War are important - so that we can understand each other's way of doing business."