The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Air Wing 31 conducted their first flight training of the year aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 7, 2015.

According to JMSDF Cmdr. Kenzo Miyazaki, executive officer of air operations with Air Rescue Squadron 71, Japanese culture dictates that a successful first flight of the year brings great fortune for the months to come.

“Since the first flight training of the year was successful, we believe that all JMSDF units and members will complete successful and accident-free training and mission execution throughout the year,” said JMSDF Lt. Cmdr. Takao Yamakawa, public relations officer with Fleet Air Wing 31.

The JMSDF began the flight training with an opening ceremony at the flight line.

“We had all members of JMSDF present in formation,” said Yamakawa. “We did that to illustrate that we share a goal to achieve and it takes a team effort to reach that goal.”

According to Yamakawa, the shared goal they want to achieve is to continue getting better at everything they do.

“We don’t have any particularly new changes for the year 2015, our goal remains the same,” said Yamakawa. “We continue our training in order to maintain our skills we’ve attained thus far and continue our efforts to make it better.”

JMSDF members were somewhat nervous coming into this training because it’s so important to them that the first time is successful, according to Miyazaki.

“It was the first time that I conducted the first flight training,” said Miyazaki. “It was a moment of tension and anxiousness, but also high motivation.”

Unfavorable weather conditions the day prior to training also worried the members of the JMSDF, according to Yamakawa.

“The weather was our main concern leading up to this training because it rained the day before, but we were blessed with nice weather and because of that, the training went wonderfully,” said Yamakawa.