YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan –
Service members from the 459th Airlift Squadron invited Japan Ground
Self-Defense Force members from Camp Higashi-Tachikawa to ride along in two UH-1
Huey helicopters Jan. 29 near Tokyo, Japan.
The ride along gave JGSDF
members a better understanding of the Air Force's aerial formations, maneuvers
and terminology to create cohesiveness between how the two countries
operate.
"The objective for this is to help introduce [the JGSDF] to our
procedures and how we fly our helicopters and help us understand how they fly
theirs," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Thomas Powell, 459th AS chief of current
operations. "This would help if we ever wanted to do a joint mission between our
helicopter units."
For the most part, JGSDF and U.S. helicopter crews
operate the aircraft the same way; the differences lie in the technical terms
and jargon.
"The big thing is to get the terminology correct between the
two of us," Powell said. "So if we say something to them, they know exactly what
we're talking about."
While in the air with the U.S. members, the JGSDF
pilots observed several different formations such as staggered, combat cruise
and combat spread, along with maneuvers like hook turns, check turns, digs and
pinches.
"For us, it was extremely helpful to have a clear understanding
of the tactics and equipment you [U.S. forces] use and how they differ from
ours," said JGSDF Capt. Fujimoto, helicopter pilot.
Powell said that
overall this type of training is crucial because it helps instill confidence in
JGSDF members.
"If they ever needed our help, we are available and
willing to help them," he said. "At the same time, we're capable to fly with
them in the same environment without causing a hazard or other
problems."