Kadena Airmen wrap up largest ATR yet

  • Published
  • By Ed Gulick
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Twelve F-15 Eagles and about 180 Kadena Airmen are wrapping up two weeks of bilateral training with Japan Air Self Defense Force members at Chitose Air Base in northern Japan.

The Aviation Training Relocation program is designed to increase operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces while reducing the impact of training on local communities surrounding Kadena Air Base. The current ATR mission has been the largest and longest since the initiative began in 2007.

The JASDF's 2nd Wing at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido flies many aircraft including F-15s. Kadena Airmen, mostly from the 44th Fighter Squadron, have been working side-by-side with their Japanese counterparts and therefore have had many opportunities to interact with members of the JASDF and to see how they accomplish a similar mission.

"The best part has been seeing each one of our pilots, maintainers and our support staff getting to work with their counterparts as we've been putting together and getting ready for the mission each day," said Lt. Col. Joel Carey, 44th Fighter Squadron commander. "Getting to come to a different location with different airspace and coordination with different controlling agencies prepares us for future contingencies that we may have to fight together."

Capt. Garth Wolber, an F-15 pilot from the 44th Fighter Squadron, flew with a JASDF F-15 pilot in a two-ship training sortie. After the mission, the captain said it was "really good training with excellent coordination" and he was very impressed with the skills of the JASDF pilot.

Many maintenance specialties spent time learning how their JASDF counterparts did the same job as well as showing them how they do their job.

Although the training is important, the relationships and interactions will also be remembered.

Kadena Airmen had more than just lunch, dinner and shopping runs to interact with the local community.

Members spent time cleaning up the Chitose railroad station with JASDF members as well as joined them in many social events, including an all Airmen social, informal dinners and a 2nd Wing commander sponsored evening social that brought together community leaders and leaders from both services.

"Of all the trips I've been on, this was the most interaction I've ever had," said Master Sgt. Scott Ragnone, first sergeant for the ATR. "It's enjoyable to get to know our JASDF counterparts on a more social level."

A few Airmen also got to try a game called mini-volleyball. The game, originated in Hokkaido, uses the same rules as regular volleyball but uses a medium-size beach ball and badminton net. Kadena Airmen split into three 4-person teams and competed against members of the Chitose mini-volleyball league.

Unfortunately, the Airmen didn't win a single game against the local enthusiasts, and were even shut out on points for one game.

Airmen also visited the Hokuto Pre-School in Chitose. Kadena members raked leaves, played with the children, sang songs and read a story that the teachers had written about the first Thanksgiving celebration.

"The kids were awesome," said Airman 1st Class Angel Gonzalez, who went on the trip. "My favorite part was dancing with them. I would love to do it again," the 44th FS life support team member said.

The ATR mission is slated to end Nov. 19.