YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, Japan –
The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in an airfield damage repair training exercise at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19 - 21.
Mobile airfield damage repair is a recently integrated mobile kit capable of conducting ADR, a multi-staged process that effectively repairs airfields, allowing for operations to continue in combat situations when there is minimal cargo space on planes. The exercise served as an opportunity for both forces to showcase, learn and combine ADR methods.
The 374th CES team, consisting of 21 participants, traveled approximately 90 miles to carry out the exercise at Hyakuri. The team deployed seven pieces of heavy equipment including six different attachments, three cargo containers and three pallets of fiber-reinforced polymer matting with the help of the 374 Logistics Readiness Squadron.
The first day of the exercise began with training to allow both teams to get to know each other and refamiliarize with each other's processes. Throughout the day, both teams performed step-by-step JASDF rapid airfield damage repair methods on a small crater and trained in the U.S. Air Force’s FRP matting procedure.
“This exercise has given us the opportunity to enhance our ADR capabilities and build upon our relationship with our JASDF partners,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Shyo Yamamoto, 374th CES deputy engineering flight commander. “Bilateral exercises are crucial for building mutual understanding and readiness.”
In the following days, the teams worked in tandem to repair ten small craters and a medium crater while utilizing both U.S. Air Force and JASDF methods. Both teams contributed heavy equipment and tools to use during the exercise.
“In times of need, there is a possibility we will collaborate with the U.S. Air Force for damage recovery operations,” said JASDF Capt. Hiroaki Takahashi, Central Air Civil Engineering Group, 3rd Squadron, squadron chief and chief coordinator. “For this reason, training is essential to build a structure that ensures readiness and effective response.”
On the final day, the U.S. Air Force, JASDF and Philippine Air Force leadership arrived to observe the two teams working together in repairing five small craters using FRP matting, and one medium crater using folding fiberglass matting.
“Even though language barriers exist between us, we try to understand each other through body language and gestures,” said Takahashi. “Overcoming challenges together not only strengthens our partnership but also fosters a sense of unity, highlighting the importance of coming together as one team.”