Transcending traditions, JASDF pilot receives USAF goodbye Published March 25, 2015 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In an American-style hose down with water and ice, pilots from the 13th Fighter Squadron came together with members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to celebrate a fini-flight for Lt. Col. Katsushi "Kitty" Hashimoto, 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 23, 2015. Different than the formal Japanese fini-flight traditions, Hashimoto got a taste of the livelier environment U.S. fighter pilots partake in during goodbyes. Since his days as an exchange officer at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Hashimoto has maintained a strong relationship with his American counterparts. He credits much of his flight philosophy and beliefs as a squadron commander to the things he learned while flying alongside U.S. pilots from the 61st Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB.