Local agriculture firm visits Misawa Air Base, builds relations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod Vickers
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Japanese locals with the Japan Agriculture Towada Oirase branch toured two Misawa Air Base agencies including American Forces Network and the 3rd Air Wing’s fire station March 7.

During their visit, they experienced how American and Japanese forces work together to see both sides of the installation’s bilateral operations that provide safety and security across the Indo-Pacific region.

“We shared our mission and history with them,” said Master Sgt. Genevieve Armstrong, the AFN Misawa station manager. “It was nice to show them our operations and demonstrate how we’ve evolved over the years.”

After their visit with AFN, the JA members grabbed lunch at the Tohoku enlisted club and made their way to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s fire station where they received a behind-the-scenes look into their equipment and practices.

“Our job is to ensure fire and disaster prevention,” said JASDF Master Sgt. Naoki Sasaki, a 3rd AW fireman. “It was great to inform and train the public on how they can prevent fires and how we combat disasters should they arise.”

Most tours visit different facilities around base and often times draw repeat visitors to see those diversified mission sets.

“I was very impressed when I first saw the base,” reminisced Etsuko Kudou, the head of Japan Agriculture Towada Oirase. “I wanted to request another base tour so I could show my colleagues what you do here on base.”

This is Kudou’s sixth base tour. They’re conducted monthly by the 3rd Air Wing Public Affairs or 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office, and provide a peek behind the gates to showcase the U.S. - Japan alliance and daily operations.

“We’re guests in their country,” said Armstrong. “It’s only right for them to see how we operate behind the gates and understand our mission here in Misawa.”