Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan.

American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers.

Normally, Capt. Jack Beene works as the 374th Operations Support Squadron airlift director, but during this event he was a liaison for the 36th Airlift Squadron and the 374th Maintenance Squadron’s visit to Iruma AB.

“We came here today to bring both (our) maintenance and operations (professionals) over,” Captain Beene said. “The maintenance people were able to go to the different maintenance facilities, tour around (the facilities) and see how the Japanese support their aircraft operations.”

While the maintainers were interacting with their counterparts, the Airmen involved with the operations part of the squadron were able to experience what it was like to fly in a Japanese C-1 aircraft during an operational mission and watched as the Japanese aircrew accomplished a training drop.

“We were able to monitor everything that was happening by listening on the ‘interphone’ while we flew,” Captain Beene said. “We also had the opportunity to view their cockpit, procedures and…