Visit Yokota

　　22 regular members of JAAGA entered Fussa gate of Yokota Air Base at 10 AM on 13th February '03. Upon entering the gate, we saw US and Japanese national flags hoisted on the poles along the main streets of the base, while the most streets had restrictions according to base defense condition. We first wondered which Memorial Day today was, but later on, we were so impressed as informed that those national flags were hoisted just honoring JAAGA delegation under the direction of the Commander of 5th Air Force.
At the entrance of 5th Air Force’s headquarters building, we were welcomed by Lieutenant General Waskow and Brigadier General Findley and took a plenary photograph. Following that, we had a briefing session at the conference room hosted by the Commander and Vice Commander accompanied by all the heads of staff of Headquarters, 5th Air Force. At the beginning of the briefing, General Waskow presented welcome remarks in that he emphasized the importance of JAAGA’s activities to persuade Japanese people of the signification of USAF units’ stationing in Japan by showing the strong tie between USAF and JASDF.
The briefing included current situation of 5th Air Force, bilateral training between USAF and JASDF, NCO exchange program, base defense issue and so forth. We realized that JAAGA’s support to NCO exchange program was highly appreciated, as the program is precious opportunity where both USAF and JASDF active members can directly know with each other. We were introduced three USAF NCOs who had experienced this program recently.
Then, we hosted a luncheon at the O’club. We could have conversations with not only the leaders of the base but also some young officers and NCOs, some of them assisted us by speaking Japanese language.
After the luncheon, we started a tour in the base escorted by the Vice Commander. First, we visited 374th Airlift Wing , commanded by Brig.Gen. Stearns, to have briefing about wing’s activities and issues surrounding the base. There were some questions and suggestions even from JAAGA members. Among those, the activities of Yokota-Fussa Goodwill Exchange Club were introduced, and it was mentioned that the club was established under the initiative of General Davis, the then 5th Air Force Commander, and now he is a JAAGA’s honorary member.
We moved to the freight area to learn about activities and facility including USAF C-130 and JASDF C-1 aircraft, where we could see down-loading cargo from JASDF’s C-1 and talked with the crew. They had flown from Kadena as a part of JSDF’s support to Operation Enduring Freedom. At the freight office, we were briefed that 9 % of all airlift cargo handled by this office is transported by JASDF C-1 and C-130. Most elder members of the tour delegation looked impressed with the JASDF’s support operations for USAF that is substantially scheduled on weekly basis.
After visiting the AFN broadcast station in the west area, we returned to the freight area to see C-17 aircraft. General Findley, former C-17 wing commander, seemed to eagerly want to show C-17, and finally he succeeded as one C-17 just flew into Yokota at the appropriate timing before the reception.
　　 General Waskow invited all the Yokota Tour delegation to the reception held at his government residence, and also General Ishizuka, General Ishikawa and General Muraki joined it. We could have an enjoyable time with the Commander, Vice Commander and senior officers of 5th Air Force Headquarters. After having the speeches of General Waskow and General Ishizuka, President of JAAGA, we concluded this tour with the appreciation remarks by Major General (Ret.) Itoh, Dean of the delegation, and the “Kanpai” proposed by Brigadier General Findley.
Through this tour, we were very much impressed with General Waskow’s enthusiasm on promoting the relationship between USAF and JASDF and cordial considerations on JAAGA’s activities. We all are very appreciative of his guidance on the complete arrangement of our visit despite the tensed condition at Yokota Air Base under the current strained situation. I believe that this tour was a beneficial opportunity especially for general members rather than the secretariat members to understand the meaningfulness of JAAGA’s activities.　(Reported by secretariat Shimizu)

　