Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 receives a load of cargo during Operation Freedom Lift Feb. 27 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The plane was headed to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, to deliver the cargo while simultaneously allowing U.S. planes to fly war on terrorism missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Daniel McKittrick)

Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

Published March 8, 2007
By Senior Airman Daniel McKittrick
Detachment 10, Air Force News Agency

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 cargo jet touched down Feb. 27 at Yokota AB to pick up and deliver supplies.

But the plane isn't loading cargo for Japan; the cargo is American supplies for U.S. servicemembers stationed throughout Japan and Guam.

Japanese Maj. Masashi Ohta, a C-1 pilot, said the mission frees up American pilots to fly supply missions in the war on terrorism as their plane replaces American aircraft that would normally fly the route.

"By accomplishing the mission that U.S. and Japan work together to make contribution to international peace and produce excellent results each other, we can strengthen a relationship of mutual trust," Major Ohta said.

The C-1 landed, loaded its cargo, and the pilots briefed. The entire operation took about 1.5 hours.

"I'm very honored to contribute myself to such an important mission to make our world peaceful," the major said.