USAF, JASDF fighter pilots promote peace in Asia-Pacific region

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 35th Fighter Wing, public affairs
KOMATSU JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENSE FORCE BASE, Japan --  U.S. Air Force pilots, along with more than 160 service members from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are deployed to Komatsu Japan Air Self-Defense Force base to support the largest exercise in the Asia-Pacific region, Dec 3 to 11.

"Japan and the United States are treaty allies and as such, we are bound to defend and respond to any regional crisis or contingency situation within the Asia-Pacific region," said Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, 14th Fighter Squadron Commander and Komatsu Detachment Commander for the U.S. Air Force members.

Keen Sword, the tenth biennial Japan-wide exercise, is designed to provide Airmen an environment to practice and evaluate coordination procedures and interoperability elements required to effectively and mutually respond to the defense of Japan.

"The U.S. and JASDF members are operating in a combined fashion, working closely to become even better at their respective jobs," the colonel added.

The 14 FS pilots are actively engaging with the JASDF pilots to conduct missions throughout the country, and over the Sea of Japan, through constant coordination with the U.S. and Japanese Navy, Marine Corps and Army.

"We're stepping out to do defensive counter-air and suppression of enemy air defense missions," said the colonel.

Hours before takeoff, the pilots are given air tasking orders which outline goals for the day's mission, ranging from protection of a Navy vessel to a simulated attack on enemy forces.

"For all missions, JASDF and the U.S. Air Force pilots prepare 24 hours before we actually fly together," said Capt. Miles Edwards, 14 FS F-16 pilot and chief of weapons and tactics. "We'll discuss procedures, review tactics, techniques and set objectives."

"We're working well together in the air, and this exercise further establishes the partnership we have with Japan," he added.

The language barrier has not had much of an effect on the flying mission, said Captain Edwards. Most Japanese pilots are fluent in English; the international language of aviation is English.

"Our Japanese is improving, and it seems as though their English is improving as well," said the captain.

Exercises such as Keen Sword build confidences among the U.S. and Japanese services, and provide an indispensable field training environment for enhancing a mutual understanding of each other's tactics, communication protocols, procedures and general interoperability.

"Keen Sword lets us sharpen our sword and proves we are ready to go at a moment's notice," said Colonel Steffens. "We work closely with our allies and are well prepared to respond and defend the nation, while working together to promote peace in the region."