Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force aviators took advantage of the 2010 Misawa Air Festival to commemorate half a century of the nations' shared pledge to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

The show began with JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander, Maj. Gen. Hiroaki Maehara, and 35th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Michael Rothstein, showcasing a JASDF F-2 and a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security 50th anniversary logo displayed on the nose of the aircraft.

"It's a great day today," said Colonel Rothstein. "The air festival is not just about the flightline, all the airplanes out on the ramp and all the great flying we get to see. It's also about the spirit of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. It's a great opportunity to showcase the professionalism of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the strength of the relationship between Japan and the U.S. Air Force."

The initial basis for Japan's security relations with the United States was provided by the 1952 Mutual Security Assistance Pact. The nations discussed revisions to the agreement in 1959, resulting in the pact being replaced in 1960 when the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security was signed Jan. 19, 1960.

The festival's headlining aerial performance was JASDF's Blue Impulse. Other aircraft demonstrations included the Pacific Air Forces F-16 demonstration team, F-2, F-15J, CH-47, UH-60, and an F-16/F-2/T-4 bilateral flyby. Among the dozen static aircraft displays was a rare appearance by a B-52 Stratofortress.

Musical entertainment was also provided, courtesy of the JASDF Band and the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band, Orient Express.

An estimated 100,000 people attended the festival.