Tsuiki ATR concludes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TSUIKI AIR BASE, Japan --  The departure of the final two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Tsuiki Air Base March 12 signaled the end of a weeklong aviation training relocation exercise between the 35th FIghter Wing from Misawa Air Base and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Approximately 90 Airmen and five F-16s were deployed from Misawa to Tsuiki for the ATR where pilots conducted dissimilar air combat training with JASDF F-12s and F-15s.

"The opportunity to fly with the JASDF during this ATR has increased operation readiness and bilateral interoperability for both U.S. and Japanese forces," said Maj. Chris Eberth, Tsuiki ATR detachment commander and assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron. "Flying with the F-2s and F-15s here at Tsuiki has improved our ability to fly against different weapons systems and opposing strategies, providing a realistic training environment."

While poor weather led to the cancellation of some training missions, the overall objective was met and the ATR was a success, according to Major Eberth.

"Anytime we have the opportunity to train with our JASDF partners is beneficial to our working relationship and the overall U.S.-Japan alliance," said Major Eberth. "With this training, I believe both the U.S. Air Force and our JASDF partners walked away with an improved understanding of each other tactics and capabilities."