Misawa participates in Tsuiki ATR

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TSUIKI AIR BASE, Japan --  Three years since the very first aviation training relocation, U.S. Air Force jets have returned to Tsuiki Air Base.
More than 90 Airmen and five F-16 Fighting Falcons are participating in an ATR exercise with F-2 and F-15 Eagle flying squadrons from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Flying operations began Monday and will continue until Friday.
"We are flying air-to-air training missions with the JASDF," said Maj. Chris Eberth, 14th Fighter Squadron pilot and Tsuiki ATR detachment commander. "This ATR provides dissimilar air training with F-15 and F-2. We are so used to flying with ourselves - this training allows us to see different things and expand our tactical horizon."
For many of those involved in the ATR, the biggest benefit is the opportunity to work with forces from another nation and build bilateral relations.
"The ATR not only increases our operational readiness and JASDF's operational readiness, it also increases our bilateral interoperability," said Major Eberth. "Finding out how other guys work is a great aspect. Both nations always come away very happy."
The ATR program is a joint venture between the U.S. and Japan. Using six locations throughout Japan, U.S. Air Force, Marine and JASDF units participate in dissimilar air training. ATR exercises are held an average of six times a year. The cross familiarization training increases interoperability between the two nations and increases bilateral relations.
Bilateral training and exercises such as the ATR help build upon the relationship established by the security treaty.