KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --
Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Ground Self-Defense Force toured the 353rd Special Operations Group on Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 21, 2016. The tour enhances partnerships between military members from both nations. The JASDF and JGSDF officers were briefed on the mission and capabilities of the 353rd SOG and their aircraft.
“I had the pleasure of talking with them about the MC-130H Combat Talon II and the MC-130J Commando II aircraft, the differences between the two platforms, and the unique capabilities of each,” said Capt. Joshua Radford, 17th Special Operations Squadron pilot.
Most of the JASDF members, currently in training to become pilots, were able to gain detailed insights into the 353rd SOG, the various aircraft and the pilots who make the missions happen.
The officers were given a tour of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, which included an introduction to the Human Performance Center, the personal training center for the 320th STS.
The Human Performance Center includes weight and cardio training machines, rehabilitation machines such as a massager and a hot tub as well as a full staff of personal trainers and doctors.
Capt. John Rulien, 320th STS special tactics officer, explained that the members of the STS are their assets. Many squadrons spend money to keep aircraft in the air, while the 320th STS spends money ensuring their people are always able to perform the mission, both physically and mentally.
“The greatest asset in our force is the people,” Rulien said. “Resourcing the requisite material and support in order to keep our greatest asset operating against our nations' foes is what we take very seriously in U.S. Special Operations Command.”
The JASDF and JGSDF finished their tour at a static display of an MC-130J Commando II. Radford took them around, explaining various parts of the aircraft and also answered questions from the Japanese military.
“It was very beneficial for both nation’s military services and furthered relationships between the U.S. Air Force and our host nation counterparts”, Rulien explained.
“The tour went exceptionally well and I certainly believe this kind of interaction and partnership is a step in a positive direction,” Radford said. “Everyone in the group seemed to really enjoy learning about our mission and what we bring to the fight. We have such incredible opportunities here with our Japan Self Defense Force partners, and I certainly look forward to working with them in the future.”