At 08:00a.m. on 1 Mar., the delegations departed from Iruma AB by C-1 special flight. At Fukuoka wayport, M.Gen.Yamasaki (commander of Western Aircraft Control and Warning Wing) waited to met us expressly. Our flight landed at Naha AB(JASDF) 30 minutes earlier than scheduled time because of weaker prevailing westerlies. We move to battery trace where is the highest point of Naha AB, then we could see whole city of Naha, South China Sea and Kerama islands. We could feel that we were in Okinawa now. At Naha AB, LTG. Urayama ( commander of Southwestern Air Composite Division (SACD)) set luncheon for us. M.Gen.Hanzawa (commander of Naha AB) and VIPs of Naha AB participated to this. At command briefing, Gen.Urayama explained about mission of division, history and people's characteristics of Okinawa and importance of US military's presence etc.. At Naha AB, we could see demonstration of F-4EJ scramble flight and Patriot air defense missile site. The associate members gave appreciation words to JASDF members who were on duty.
We moved to Kadena AB (USAF) to check-in VOQ (Visitor Officer Quarter), there Ms.Fukuhara, Ms.Tohma and Ms.Miyara waited for welcoming us. At VOQ room, the message letter from B.Gen.Moulton (commander of 18th Wing) was put on table to each JAAGA member, which indicated welcoming words and suggestion. Suggestion was to call to vice commander when we were in trouble. We were very impressed his warm consideration to JAAGA. During this visiting, Col.Kennedy (vice commander of 18th Wing) hosted us because of commander's TDY. We attended dinner party held at Kadena Officers Club. JAAGA members looked little bit nervous on formal dinner. 83rd Wing Commander, commander of 5th Air Defense Missile Group and chief of staff of SACD from JASDF , and head of JAAGA Okinawa branch joined to this party. Commanders of all groups except maintenance group, Chief master sergeant of 18th wing and others participated from JASDF.
On second day, after taking breakfast with Col.Kirschbaum, we moved to headquarters of 18th Wing, we received the briefing by Col. Kennedy there. He explained about Kadena AB, and emphasized the importance of Okinawa in Pacific Command which assumes the field from West Coast to Indian Ocean, from North Pole to South Pole. Members could understand why Okinawa was called Key Stone of the Pacific. During this briefing, many questions like as the relation between 13rd Air Force and 18th Wing were submitted. Then we moved to apron area, we had explanation on F-15, KC-135. During moving by bus at base, we could see F-22s which are temporary deployed. At NCO club we had luncheon with Col.Henkel (commander of Operation Group). Surprisingly the commander of F-22 squadron joined to our luncheon, then many associate members asked on F-22 aircraft. During this visiting, Col.Kennedy accompanied us all the time, we felt very impressed. We expressed the appreciation to 18th wing members and left Kadena AB.
All plans were finished smoothly and returned to Iruma base in scheduled time. At Iruma AB , M.G.Hironaka had waited our arrival. All members seemed to be impressed to see the activities of JASDF and USAF. It's very significant trip! (Reported by Secretariat Enoki)
