Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska - U.S. Army and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers executed numerous training events here May 31 to June 15 in a display of Arctic readiness and Pacific partnership during Exercise Artic Aurora 2016.

"The Arctic Aurora Exercise has been a phenomenal event due to the hard efforts of the paratroopers standing on this field," said Lt. Col. Mathew Hardman, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, during the closing ceremony of the exercise. "Over the last three weeks we have [executed] live-fire ranges, airborne operations, force-on-force training and we played soccer."

The units involved ran the bilateral airborne operation and live fire exercise with a focus on combat readiness and interoperability between the two military forces.

"As you know, we have the Japan-U.S. alliance, but that has to mean more than just something that has been written on paper. Through this we are strengthening that bond," said Japanese Maj. Gen. Yasuyuki Kodama, commanding general of the JGSDF's 1st Airborne Brigade. "We are forcing the way forward with our relationship."

The event started off with aircraft familiarization and jumps onto Malemute Drop Zone with a simulated airfield seizure June 9.

"The Japanese airborne have been in service for 65 years now . . . [and] during those 65 years they have never experienced combat," said Kodama. "Though we have experience in [peace keeping] missions, and also missions down into Iraq, we still don't have any real life combat experience."

Kodama expressed interest in attending additional annual and semi-annual exercises and said he hopes paratroopers of U.S. Army Alaska can train with the JGSDF in Japan.

At the close of the exercise the JGSDF awarded Japanese parachutist badges to the paratroopers of 3-509 PIR who participated in the exercise's airborne operations. Kodama said that in addition to exchanging wings, his paratroopers also gained experience, which will be passed down to JGSDF members back home.

"Throughout it all, we have had a great team, which highlights the close connection and deep respect that our two nations and forces have for one another," said Hardman.