Shogun-Aussies

Leading Aircraftman Matt Perkins, 11 Squadron ground crew member, marshalls an AP-3C Orion into position on the Kadena flightline amongst US Navy P-3`s Oct.3. Two AP-3C Orions from 11 Squadron, Adelaide, Australia deployed to Kadena AB, Japan, to participate in a multi-lateral maritime patrol and reconnaissance operation in the West Pacific Ocean, Oct. 8–19. The 11 Squadron crews practiced combined anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations with the United States Navy under the United Nations Command (Rear) Status of Forces Agreement with the government of Japan. The operation aimed to promote regional security and interoperability between participating nations. (Royal Australian Air Force photo/CPL Eddie Andrew)

Shogun-Aussies

Corporal Daryll Totaro, front, and Leading Aircraftman Adrian Bradley screw "CADS" onto a load of sonobuoys moments before loading them onto 11SQN AP-3C Orion. Two AP-3C Orions from 11 Squadron, Adelaide, Australia deployed to Kadena AB, Japan, to participate in a multi-lateral maritime patrol and reconnaissance operation in the West Pacific Ocean, Oct. 8–19. The 11 Squadron crews practiced combined anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations with the United States Navy under the United Nations Command (Rear) Status of Forces Agreement with the government of Japan. The operation aimed to promote regional security and interoperability between participating nations. (Royal Australian Air Force photo/CPL Eddie Andrew)

Shogun-Aussies

Leading Aircraftman Adrian Bradley loads sonobuoys into an AP-3C Orion Oct. 3 on the Kadena flightline. Two AP-3C Orions from 11 Squadron, Adelaide, Australia deployed to Kadena AB, Japan, to participate in a multi-lateral maritime patrol and reconnaissance operation in the West Pacific Ocean, Oct. 8–19. Number 11 Squadron crews practiced combined anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations with the United States Navy under the United Nations Command (Rear) Status of Forces Agreement with the government of Japan. The operation aimed to promote regional security and interoperability between participating nations. (Royal Australian Air Force photo/CPL Eddie Andrew)

Base hosts 1st RAAF training in Japan

Published Oct. 11, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AB, Japan -- The first training engagement in the history of the Status of Forces Agreement between coalition forces since the Korean war started here Oct. 2.

Royal Australian Air Force and U. S. Navy units are conducting training to enable interoperability and execute missions in any deployed area of responsibility.
A myriad of training scenarios were conducted in the two-week United Nations- sponsored training.

"We are here to conduct a training, liaison, coordination activity, under the United Nations Command Rear that is relevant to this area of responsibility," said Squadron Leader Colin Smith, Royal Australian Air Force.

Both forces flew their own P-3C Orion aircraft to practice interoperability and allied operating procedures focusing on naval surface and sub-surface operations.
The P-3, an anti-submarine warfare aircraft carries a team of 11 with an "amazing" number of mission capabilities, said Navy Lt. Paul Giguere, 7th Fleet Australian liaison.

"Just because the aircraft is the same, the way they do business, the way they run checklists, the gear that's inside the aircraft, isn't exactly the same," said Lieutenant Giguere.

With the differences in skill sets, we are able to see how we interact in a collaborative fashion on station, he said.

Most aspects of the training were at sea, such as horizon targeting for surface vessels, tracking submarines, conducting data links with surface assets, search and rescue, and overland reconnaissance.

"We have assisted the UNCR by executing the Status of Forces Agreement they have with Japan," said Lieutenant Guigere.

Having Australian airplanes conduct training coordination and liaison from Kadena accomplishes that goal and the support mission of the UNCR, he said.

The RAAF has not exercised their right to stage through Japan in over 50 years.

"This was an opportunity for the U.N. command to exercise our right to the agreement and train with the Navy," said Squadron Leader Smith.

Military members today are engaged in training with allied nations through the U.N.

"This is a great opportunity to be a part of the most significant and robust activity that has occurred in this area in a long time," said Lieutenant Guigere.