HOKKAIDO, Japan -- On Oct. 7, 2022, MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, conducted Low Altitude Tactics (LAT) training at 300 feet for the first time in Japan during Resolute Dragon, a bilateral training exercise in Hokkaido, Japan.

Prior to the exercise, United States Forces Japan (USFJ) coordinated with the Government of Japan (GOJ) to shift the lowest allowable altitude from 500 feet to 300 feet.

"The Low Altitude Tactics training at Resolute Dragon greatly benefited the squadron and significantly improved operational readiness. By providing a venue for training that is difficult to obtain, the exercise enabled the unit to requalify over 20 aircrew and conduct instructor qualification flights. We are extremely grateful for the months of coordination among USFJ, III MEF, and GOJ that secured clearance to fly at 300 feet and conduct this valuable training. We look forward to continued cooperation with USFJ and the GOJ in order to accomplish bilateral training objectives and improve readiness," said Lieutenant Colonel Jason Laird, VMM-265 commanding officer.

The U.S.-Japan Alliance is built on shared values and security interests; it is more important and relevant today than ever. The coordination and effort put into securing 300-foot LAT training is a great example of how the Alliance prioritizes realistic training to bolster Japan’s defenses.

Pilots stationed in the United States conduct LAT training at or below 300 feet on a regular basis. By allowing U.S. aircraft to fly at 300 feet in Japan, the GOJ affords 1st MAW pilots realistic training opportunities in mission critical areas such as radar, weather and threat evasion tactics, which allow them to train to the same standards as their peers.