Falcons, Eagles and Hornets fly together

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KOMATSU AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa Air Base Airmen joined with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Japanese Air Self Defense Force members at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, for the Bi-Lateral Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation 2009.

This event runs from Nov 13 - 21, and is the largest ATR - encompassing approximately 20 aircraft and nearly 200 people - in the program's four-year-long history. Five F-16 Fighting Falcons, pilots and support Airmen from the 13th Fighter Squadron, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 35th Operations Support Squadron, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 35th Civil Engineering Squadron, 610th Air Control Flight, 35th Maintenance Squadron and seven F/A-18 Hornets, aircrew and support from the Marine Corps Attack Fighter Squadron 533 teamed up with 2 JASDF F-15J Eagle Squadrons from Komatsu's 6th Air Wing.

ATR events are designed to increase operational readiness, compatibility and tactical cross flow for both U.S. and Japanese forces while helping to reduce the impact of training activity on local communities surrounding U.S. and Japanese bases in Japan.

The program provides 5th Air Force and other USFJ members the opportunity to deploy in country, train with different weapon systems and capabilities, and interact with other JASDF members and local citizens whom service members do not normally have the opportunity to meet. Flying against different weapons systems, known as dissimilar air combat training, is considered by fighter pilots to be the preferred air to air training environment as it most resembles what aircrews would face in combat.

"The primary concept about this ATR is that it is a learning environment," said Air Force Lt. Col. Jay Aanrud, 13th FS commander. "The Air Force, Marines and the JASDF get to teach how they would deal with certain mission scenarios. Likewise, the forces can learn better ways to integrate forces and unique capabilities."

But flying DACT missions is not just about learning and sharing tactics, it's also about giving pilots an opportunity to rate their aircraft and skills.

"This type of training is important," said Marine Capt. Ernie Drake, Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533 F/A-18D pilot. "It gives fighter pilots an opportunity to learn how to fight against and with different aircraft. It gives us a better perspective of how our aircraft rate in comparison to others, and it helps us develop or tweak tactics to counter other aircraft that we see in the world. You can't be a good fighter pilot just fighting against your own kind."

U.S. Forces Japan fighter pilots have trained with and learned about various F-15J tactics from their JASDF counterparts. This training has given them a better understanding and greater appreciation of their allies.

"It's definitely a rewarding experience to fly with the JASDF," said Captain Drake, a native of Atlanta. "The tactics they have demonstrated show a high level of sophistication. I know we can count on them if we ever have to."

To date, 5th AF and JASDF service members have conducted more than a dozen ATR events at six different bases: Chitose, Misawa, Hyakuri, Tsuiki and Nyutabaru.

"It's important to work with and train with our allies, to support each other, and identify strengths and areas of improvement to help us better fight side by side if the need arises," said Colonel Aanrud, a native of Great Falls, Mont. "These ATRS are a spectacular opportunity to work on tactics, techniques and procedures to make us a more effective fighting force."