All participants gathered at air terminal of Iruma AB on scheduled time, had self introduction, selected Mr.Bandoh (Yokogawa Electric) as leader of party and received C-1 boarding instruction by JASDF crews. C-1 that we got on was specially furnished with airline-type seats, which were so comfortable compared with original bench-type seats. C-1 took off Iruma AB at 09:30, landed at Misawa AB at 10:35. At Misawa air terminal, vice commander (Colonel Donald C.Weckhorst) and VIPs of 35th Fighter Wing (35FW) welcomed our party with honor guards.
After moving to 35 FW's headquarters, USAF provided us general briefing about 35FW, Misawa AB and tenant organizations on base. The briefing included mission, organization, training, equipment, facility and others. The briefing was very interesting . While taking sandwich lunch at Officers Club, we watched video related with introduction of Misawa AB (projected to big screen) . 35FW displayed full-armed F-16C "Wild Wiesel" for us, and took commemoration pictures in front of this fighter plane. And we could experience to wear lifesaving equipment, to drive F-16 flight simulator, and also to see ACMI (Air Combat Maneuvers Instrumentation) system which was very effective for flight de-briefing.
We moved to headquarters of Northern Air Defense Force (NADF, JASDF) , visited with courtesy to commander of NADF, LTG. Arano, and had 40 minutes lecture concerned with NADF's status and Misawa AB as joint-use base. The most interesting issue of lecture was detail explanation on Cope-Thunder Exercise which was carried out in Alaska last year.
After check in to VOQ (Visitor Officer Quarters), they walked to Officers Club for attending dinner party sponsored by JAAGA. At this party, we talked lots about USAF with USAF members and enjoyed attractions performed by USAF peoples, and could deepen goodwii and friendshipl
On the 2nd day, we visited JASDF organizations on Misawa AB. We were carried with JASDF transportation to headquarters of 3rd Air Wing (3AW), and our representative had courtesy visit to Maj. General Onitsuka, commander of 3AW. After we were given briefing about 3AW and Misawa AB (JASDF) there, we had opportunity to see F-2A and F-4EJ/Kai (Super Phantom) at 118th hanger. E-2C at Airborne Early Warning Group and CH-47 at Misawa Helicopter Airlift Squadron were kindly displayed with expositors for us.
During luncheon at JASDF mess hall, participants could exchange opinions about comprehensive subjects with 3AW's VIPs included wing commander.
All schedules at Misawa AB were completed, we departed from Misawa at 13:05 and arrived at Iruma at 14:15. All associate members expressed their sincere appreciation on the warmest hospitality which USAF and JASDF showed to them. We believe that all participants could understand or recognize the importance of US-Japan alliance. It was very successful visit ! (Reported by secretariat Murata)
