Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, landed at Misawa Air Base, Japan in preparation for flight operations as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, Nov. 29, 2024.

While in Japan, VMFA-312 is temporarily augmenting Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims to provide squadrons stationed in the continental U.S.with experience training in the Indo-Pacific. During their participation in the ATR, VMFA-312 will reduce local noise pollution, work alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel, and increase partner nation collaboration through bilateral flight operations.

“We’re excited to be out here doing flight [operations] with the Japanese.” said Capt. Russel Keating, an F/A-18 pilot, “We’re looking forward to the integrated training and expeditionary ops that we’re going to do.”

In addition to facilitating joint collaboration between U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy personnel, Misawa Air Base provides valuable experience with operating in low to freezing temperatures due to its location in the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan’s largest island.

“Misawa is a great base to operate out of, not only because it’s giving us experience with cold weather preparation, but it’s also very close to the Air Force and Navy, so we’re getting familiar with how to work with them as well as the JASDF,” said Capt. Bryan Torres, an F/A-18 pilot.

Operations such as the ATR facilitate necessary training to bolster cohesion between both U.S. and Japanese forces.