Kadena Airmen work with Japan Air Self Defense Force

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Six Kadena Air Base NCOs recently had the opportunity to experience what life is like in the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

As part of the NCO Bilateral Exchange Program they flew in JASDF aircraft Dec. 5 to Tsuiki Air Base in mainland Japan. There they spent the next nine days living and working side-by-side JASDF Airmen in similar jobs.

"We're planting a seed, if you will," said Chief Master Sgt. Clint Camac, 18th Wing command chief, who escorted the NCOs to their new assignments. "We plan to expand this program in the future to include more NCOs. Then, through cascade training and information sharing on both sides it continues to grow and develop. What we're working towards is interoperability where members of the U.S. Air Force and JASDF can work together, not separately."

This is the first time Tsuiki AB has hosted the exchange and the sight of six Americans walking around the small sea-side air base was something of an oddity. Few Americans have visited the area since the base was turned over to the JASDF in 1957.

The situation was equally unusual to the Americans. JASDF airmen typically live 10 to a room and have a regimented schedule. There are none of the typical restaurants and concessions on base. Only a dining facility, the gym and a small exchange are available to the 300 members living on base. Married airmen live off base since no family members are allowed entry. Although the differences are obvious, the similarities might not be.

"I think what I'm getting most out of the exchange is finding out that they're not that much different," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Hill, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron NCOIC of training and certification at the Kadena fire department. "Many of the things they do every day are the same as what we do when we go to work. I kind of assumed that, but I wasn't sure. I'm discovering that they are really a great bunch of people."

"I'm thrilled to see how our wing mission and their mission to promote stability in the Pacific are one and the same," said Tech. Sgt. Donald Alexander, 18th Operations Support Squadron.

Although working from different flight regulations and airfield layouts the Detroit, Mich., native said most of the things, like being a good leader and setting the example, are the same here.

"The teamwork between me and my sponsor has been great," he said. "My sponsor has been there every step taking me through the job. We've been able to discuss a little of his base's history and our history at Kadena. We've also talked about the NCO corps in JASDF and the U.S. Air Force. We're able to talk about schooling and other opportunities in our service."

"I think the exchange program is a great idea," said Eiichi Okubo, his JASDF counterpart. "It is great training. The NCO exchange program means you can exchange culture. I've wanted to do that for some time."

JASDF Staff Sgt. Mayumi Ishikawa, of the Tsuiki supply squadron, was equally happy with the exchange.

"I think it's very important for the future," she said. "I wanted to do this."

She said at first she was apprehensive because she pictured her counterpart being very tall. "But since we're the same size it makes it much easier to communicate," she said.

Her American counterpart, Staff Sgt. Arin Jacobs, 733d Air Mobility Squadron, said her goal was to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to get a new perspective. Many of the participants had similar hopes.

"I hope to continue to exchange with the personnel as well as build relationships in the Japan Air Self Defense Force," said Staff Sgt. Frederick McKinnies, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's actually good to compare notes, to compare equipment and techniques to do repairs or construction work or any type of civil engineering work whether in peacetime or contingencies."

"The good thing about this is getting to know different people," said Staff Sgt. Creig Smith, 18 CES. "Even though the language barrier is there, these are great people."

In addition to the language barrier, one NCO got to see another side of his career field.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Heaton, 353rd Maintenance Squadron, normally works on C-130s but is now working with JASDF fighters. He said he still sees similarities.

"I think other Airmen would be surprised that other countries work just like we do and it is possible to work hand-in-hand with them," he said.

The exchange program is sponsored by the Japan American Air Force Goodwill Association. The next exchange will be in March when JASDF Airmen come to Kadena.