67th FS arrives at Komatsu AB for ATR

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber E. N. Jacobs
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KOMATSU AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from the 18th Wing and six F-15 Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron arrived at Komatsu Air Base to participate in a week-long Aviation Training Relocation Program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force, Dec. 7.

Hosted by the JASDF 6th Wing, the ATR will focus primarily on learning how to work together in a joint tactical environment, and operational readiness between the U.S. and Japanese forces.

"Through this ATR we will enhance our interoperability, and the Japan Air Self Defense Force 6th Wing will show our air power capabilities," said JASDF Lt. Col. Hideaki Miyake, 306th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander.

This ATR will give Kadena Airmen an opportunity to practice deployed operations and perform bi-lateral training while strengthening strategic partnerships with their JASDF counterparts from the 306th and 303rd Tactical Fighter Squadrons.

"We are very excited about working and integrating with the Japan Air Self Defense Force here over the course of the next week, and exchanging lessons learned and tactics," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Morris Fontenot, 67th Fighter Squadron commander.

With the arrival of the 67th FS the ATR will kick-off at the beginning of the week as all three squadrons take to the air, working and learning from each other in a bilateral environment.

Miyake concluded the afternoon arrival by saying, "I believe, that during this training, we will enhance our friendship."