Annual Iruma Air Show deepens bond between US, Japan

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 45th annual Iruma Air Show took place at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Iruma Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2013.

The event was open to the public and provided its visitors with aerial acrobatics performed by the JASDF's very own Blue Impulse.

Among the visitors was the 374th Airlift Wing's leadership and enlisted members, deepening the bond between U.S. and Japan.

"The Iruma Air Show is a fantastic event that showcases the pride and professionalism of the JASDF," said Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander. "Our Japanese allies are gracious hosts and it was truly an honor to attend and participate in the event."

Through the common language of music provided by the Band of the Pacific-Asia, the guests were able to overcome the language barrier.

"This is a very unique event," said Tech. Sgt. Ricky Sweum, PACAF Band non-commissioned officer in charge of the media and publicity. "We want to show the people why we are here and build a better partnership through the band. The music speaks all language and it shows the integration between our nations as allied partners."

The main event of the day featured JASDF's Blue Impulse aerial demonstration team.  T-4 aircraft kept visitors' eyes fixed on the sky.

"This was my first time attending this event; the Blue Impulse was very impressive," said Master Sgt. Edson Andrade, one of the enlisted members invited to the event. "It was a great experience and I was proud to be representing the United States Air Force."