On that day, they gathered at JR Fussa station at 9 o'clock and moved to Yokota AB by bus which was provided by USAF. Students' representatives, teachers and JAAGA officers had courtesy visit to Lt.Gen.Bruce A.Wright, commander of United States Forces Japan(USFJ) and Fifth Air Force (5AF), and expressed appreciation on acceptance of our request on this event. Then Gen.Wright expressed welcoming words and said them he could fortunately work in Japan about 10 years. Then Gen.Wright explained them about history of US-Japan alliance and importance of this alliance for peace and stability of Far East, and added we need more talks each other in order to strengthen this alliance. General said he expected on "Q & A" after command briefing.
After this, they attended briefing related on outline of USFJ and 5AF at Officers Club. Gen.Wright illustrated about outline of U.S.Forces in Japan by himself. General was exhaustive and painstaking to comment about history of US-Japan alliance, mission of U.S.Forces in Japan, security treaty between both countries and agreement of article 6 under security treaty, strategic position and security activities of Japan in Far East etc.. Detail explanation was done. During "questions and answers" time, students asked about "difference between US Forces in Italy and USForces in Japan", "counter method against missile attack by North Korea", "returning of Yokota air traffic control area to Japan" etc.. Gen.Wright replied very kindly to those questions in humor.
After taking break, Captain Nazario (5AF, public affair) elucidated about outline of 5AF. Topics were status of threat around Japan, organizations of Pacific Air Force and 5AF, strategic importance of military units stationed in Japan and cooperated exercise with Japan Self Defence Forces, supporting to transportation unit deploying in Iraq, transformation of USFJ. In conclusion of briefing, Gen Wright asked students "how to strengthen alliance between United States and Japan?", "what do you think about China and North Korea, and how to deal with their military threat?" It's very good opportunity to think about Japan-US security system. Then General Wright proposed us working lunch and gave students chance to discuss about national security issues with USAF side attendants at each tables during luncheon. During lunch, students questioned lots to them. General extended planned time and coped with students. Afternoon, students moved to apron area to see aircraft, UH-1, C-21, C-130, and there they took pictures with aircraft crews. They did AFN (American Forces Network) visit and observed there broadcasting facility and equipment last.
Scheduled 7 hours had past so fast, they had to leave base. On way home, students said that they could have useful visiting and touch USAF directly, and they hoped to plan to visit Yokota again next year. And they all expressed appreciation to Gen.Wright and his staffs who shared kindness and politeness to all students.
In the busy schedule when Vice President Cheney visited Japan, Gen.Wright was acted as a host to this visiting by himself during half day. We greatly feel his enthusiasm that he would like to want young Japanese who carry future Japan to understand importance of Japan - U.S. security system. (Reported by secretariat Kurabeishi)
