YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The sun begins to set in the distance and reddish-orange color consumes Mt. Fuji as four C-130J Super Hercules soar through the skies during golden hour to drop bundles during a training scenario.

Airmen from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron Combat Mobility Flight and 36th Airlift Squadron completed joint containerized delivery system (CDS) airdrop training at the Combined Armed Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 10, 2018. This training helps members from both squadrons receive hands-on training they will use during potential real-world scenarios.

“The is important for us because we need to practice delivering items via airdrop so we know how to complete this type of mission in a real-world scenario and stay current on our formation flight procedures,” 1st Lt. Aaron Macy, 36 AS C-130J Super Hercules pilot. “They (CMF Airmen) do a lot for us in terms of preparing the pallets for us. Since we don’t have the capability to perform this task, we wouldn’t be able to complete this type of training without them.”

Prior to the CDS airdrop training, CMF Airmen create and set up the pallets along with placing parachutes on each one.

During the event, the 36 AS were able to complete formation flight training as well as drop eight pallets consisting of simulated heavy equipment and CDS bundles. There were also two pilots staged near the drop zone to perform wind readings so the aircrew can safely deliver the bundles to the specified location.

After all of the bundles landed in the drop zone, the CMF Airmen gathered each bundle along with the parachutes to bring back to Yokota.

“We are here to support any mission throughout this region,” Staff Sgt. Jorge Serrano, 374 LRS CMF recovery supervisor. “We prep all of the bundles for training and real-world missions. If people need supplies somewhere we would pack everything into a bundle and the aircrews would deliver it.”

The scenario provided the personnel with important training to increase their skillsets.

“The 36th may not be able to complete this training without us because we provide them with the tools they need to complete their missions,” Serrano said. “Both sections are here to support the base’s mission as we enhance our airdrop capabilities if and when we are called upon to provide humanitarian aid or deliver items to various locations throughout this region.”