ATR commander meets with media

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CHITOSE AIR BASE, Japan --  Following the deployment of nearly 100 Airmen to northern Japan's Chitose Air Base on July 8, the U.S. Air Force commander in charge of the Aviation Training Relocation here met with members of the Japanese media and city council to discuss the mission's objectives.

Maj. Jason Mascetta, ATR commander assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, greeted more than 50 local media and city council members on the base's flight line and at a formal press conference after completing the week's first training mission with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

"The most important reason we're here is for the U.S. and the Japanese to work together," said Mascetta.

He explained that the Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing are here in support of six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons that traveled here to gain proficiency in air-to-air training with the JASDF, while simultaneously fostering and strengthening the relationships between the two forces.

He said along with fostering a friendship with the host nation, pitting F-16s against Japanese F-15Js in air-to-air simulated combat reaps long-term rewards for both the U.S. and Japan.

"Not only is it good to train against different types of aircraft so we can learn about them, but it also increases our ability to coordinate and communicate and be able to do things airborne in the future if we need bilateral assistance," Mascetta said.

Mascetta also touched on the importance of focus and safety while visiting Chitose.

"While our primary goal is training here, safety is at the forefront of everyone's mind," he said. "It's important that all Airmen act professionally, respectful, and courteous as you are all to us.

"All week long, and in the future, it's important to have faith in each other," Mascetta said. "We're excited to be here and we hope we can take advantage of opportunities like this for years to come."