JASDF Performing Key Role

Courtesy Photo | A JASDF security forces troop salutes and opens the gate to the flightline. There are about 200 JASDF personnel with the Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing here. (Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.28.2006

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Their uniforms may have a different print design and their aircraft may be painted another color, but make no mistake, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is a proud member of the coalition team.

For the first time since their formation in 1954 the JASDF are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are here helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

"I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part in this operation," said Col. Atsushi Nishino, commander of the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing. "(Our mission is crucial) because reconstruction and stabilizing Iraq is important for global stability and peace, not only in the Middle East."

Their primary mission here is to provide airlift support to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces in Samawah, Iraq. But with reconstruction well on its way in that area, the JGSDF will start withdrawing troops from there in July. However, the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing plans to remain here and continue as part of the coalition.

"Doing this important mission (here) with troops who have the same goals " stabilizing and reconstructing Iraq " is a wonderful thing," Colonel Nishino said.

At home the JASDF's mission is to preserve peace, stability and independence for their nation. But by performing this historic mission here in Southwest Asia, they are playing an important role along with other coalition forces by helping to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

"The JASDF partnership is key to the coalition victory in the Global War on Terrorism," said Col. Timothy Hale, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "Their support of their heroic humanitarian missions demonstrates that the resolve to bring peace to this region is shared by dozens of nations, each bringing unique skills to the battle for the hearts of the Iraqi people."

The JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing includes about 200 troops on four month rotations. The first group arrived here in December 2003 and started flying missions on March 3, 2004. Since then they have flown more than 325 sorties and carried more than 460 tons of cargo.

"I feel working with coalition forces contributes to rising reliability and understanding among (each other)," Colonel Nishino said.

The JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing is also responsible for moving cargo for humanitarian support activities from their homeland. They also transport Multi-National Force-Iraq members and other personnel around the theater when called upon.

To perform this wide-ranging mission the JASDF rely on a group of C-130s and a vast range of personnel with varied backgrounds and expertise. They include civil engineers, flight engineers, maintenance officers and technicians, medical, navigators, pilots, security forces and supply.

"We have several different kinds of servicemembers to accomplish and support our mission," Colonel Nishino said.

Being co-located in a deployed environment has given the JASDF and the Air Force quite a few opportunities to work together. The two units commonly share equipment, swap information and their personnel can often be seen participating in various wing activities.

"I appreciate (the Air Force's) support," Colonel Nishino said. "Like providing information, aircraft parts or letting us use some facilities like the (recreation) center or fitness center. This support helps us a lot with our safety and certain operational and welfare for my troops."

And working side-by-side the Air Force for the first time since their inception has also been an opportunity to build long lasting relationships, or rekindle old ones, for both armed services branches.

"It has been a phenomenal experience to renew friendships with warriors from a nation I know well," Colonel Hale said. "As a commander at Yokota Air Base, Japan, a number of years ago, I grew to love the people and culture of Japan. It is a pleasure to work shoulder to shoulder to bring peace to this region and demonstrate our long and lasting friendship and camaraderie to the people of this area."

"I think (our deployment here) contributes to rising reliability of the alliance between the U.S and Japan," Colonel Nishino said. "I think this is a wonderful thing."

• Date Taken: 06.28.2006
• Date Posted: 06.28.2006 11:08
• Story ID: 6984
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)