YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force joined Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing as part of the Bilateral Exchange Program at Yokota Air Base, May 31, 2017 through June 9, 2017.
The goal of the program is for Japanese and U.S. service members to share job knowledge and perspectives with their counterparts.
“Through this program, I learned a lot of things that I don’t normally take care of,” said Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech. Sgt. Hironobu Kakuta, Flight Information Squadron at Fuchu Air Base, air operation. “I will bring these experiences back to my office and see how we can apply what I have learned in this program to our daily job.”
Learning from each other’s strengths and weaknesses helps build a more effective operation for both the JASDF and the USAF.
“Being able to gain a new perspective, ultimately leads to better cohesion,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Ober, 374th Operation Support Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of airfield management training. “In my office we work with different Japanese airfields in the area so the more we understand about how each airfield operates the better we can mesh processes to make things smoother down the line.”
Challenges can arise from the language barrier between the members of the different countries. However, the NCO’s didn’t let it hold them back from working together to learn from their counterparts.
“I worked side-by-side with U.S. Airmen to gain team-building experience and work in a completely English speaking environment,” said Japan Air Self-Defense Force Staff Sgt. Tatsiua Suzuki, 1st Technical School Maintenance Section at Hamamatsu Air Base, aircraft engine maintenance. “Even though there is a language barrier, I learned a lot from them and built a good relationship with them. I recommend everyone participates in this program. It helps American and Japanese forces build a strong relationship.”
After spending 10 days together, both U.S. and Japanese participants formed lasting relationships that will prepare them to work together in future contingencies, exercises and operations.
“Any time we go anywhere the JASDF are there,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daylon Siverly, 374th Maintenance Squadron dock coordinator. “We run into different countries from Asia and it helps us to connect and realize we really are doing something important.”
The Bilateral Exchange Program takes place three times a year, with the next event scheduled for the first quarter of 2018.