Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Costello, Commanding General of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Command Sgt. Maj. Kelly M. Hart, Command Sgt. Maj. 94th AAMDC, Col. Neal J. Lape, Commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. John S. Brown Jr., Command Sgt. Maj. 38th ADA Bde., visited Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) Air Defense Command Headquarters at Yokota Air Base on March 14, 2024. The 94th AAMDC Command Team was accompanied by Maj. Hazumu Yano and Sgt. First Class Steven C. Morrison from their mission support office.
It was the first visit of BG Costello to JASDF ADC HQ and Yokota Air Base since his departure after the brigade's change of command in July 2020, which many key leaders of our partners were unable to attend due to restrictions from the COVID epidemic; as such, this was a great chance for him to see the partners he helped to build bonds with during his time leading our brigade. It was also CSM Hart’s first visit, as the last scheduled visit was canceled due to a major typhoon last summer.
Following an extended office call with Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp, Commander of the U.S. Forces Japan and the U.S. Fifth Air Force, co-located at Yokota Air Base, the team was warmly welcomed as always by the entire JASDF ADC leadership, led by Lt. Gen. SUZUKI Yasuhiko, Commander of JASDF ADC, WO KUMASAKA Hiroki, ADC Senior Enlisted Advisor, Lt. Gen. KAGEURA Seiki, ADC Vice Commander, Maj. Gen. SAGAWA Shoji, ADC Chief of Staff, and Maj. Gen. YANAGI Yukinori, ADC Director of Defense Plans and Operations Directorate (A3/5/6).
Both sides discussed recent bilateral exercises aimed to innovate and expand our mutual capabilities, as well as focus on further enhancing our integrated joint operational capabilities and refining command and control procedures. The discussion continued on the current regional situation, potential threats, and how to more effectively respond with our current and future capabilities, as well as various planned and potential exercise and engagement opportunities to further enhance interoperability to deter mutual adversaries with our integrated air and missile defense capabilities. The office call ended with a gift exchange, symbolizing the relationship cultivated between the two commands over the years.
The Sea Dragons' and the Pacific Guardians' command teams then moved to continued discussion with JASDF ADC Operations, led by Maj. Gen. Yanagi. It was a great reunion between Maj. Gen. Yanagi and Col. Lape as both have met multiple times before and during the bilateral exercise Keen Sword-23. During KS23, our own Delta Battery of 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed in support of the exercise, working alongside the JASDF 3rd Air Defense Missile Group. Both sides discussed the current ongoing trends in U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery and how we may more effectively respond against mutual threats by integrating various Army and Joint partners’ systems and assets. The discussion also covered recent events and their potential impact, as well as how bilateral cooperation has improved over the years, as demonstrated during recent bilateral exercises. Both sides agreed to continue deepening the cooperation utilizing the numerous upcoming planned exercises.
We look forward to having more opportunities to engage with and participate in exercises together with our incredibly capable allies of Koku-Jieitai to further enhance interoperability and strengthen our capabilities together. The Japan-U.S. Alliance is based on our shared values and commitment to maintain the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2024 01:09 |
| Photo ID: | 8316955 |
| VIRIN: | 240314-A-QR356-9205 |
| Resolution: | 5818x3879 |
| Size: | 17.8 MB |
| Location: | YOKOTA AIR BASE, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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