459, 36 AS engage in bilateral SME exchange with JMSDF U.S. Air Force Logo Nov. 26, 2025 251107-F-LX373-1191 U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron, walk toward a JMSDF C-130R Hercules during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. The event enabled both nations’ aircrews to tour each other’s aircraft and discuss mission capabilities, building a deeper understanding of how each service supports airlift operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1012 U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron, attend a briefing during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. A SME exchange is an event where experts share knowledge and expertise with counterparts from another organization, fostering mutual understanding, skill development and collaboration.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1559 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron view a U.S. Air Force C-12J Huron assigned to the 459th Airlift Squadron during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. The event allowed Airmen and JMSDF aircrews to compare airlift procedures, tour C-12J C-130R Hercules and LC-90 aircraft and share insights that enhance bilateral air mobility operations.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1393 U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron pose for a photo during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. By deepening operational ties and enhancing shared understanding, the exchange advanced both nations’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1226 U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron, tour the inside of a JMSDF C-130R Hercules during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. These engagements strengthen the foundations of combined readiness and build the relationships necessary for both nations to respond effectively to emerging challenges across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1689 U.S. Air Force Capt. Rachel Curtis, 459th Airlift Squadron C-12J Huron evaluator pilot, speaks during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. By deepening operational ties and enhancing shared understanding, the exchange advanced both nations’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download 251107-F-LX373-1286 From the left, U.S. Air Force Capt. Jordan Daniels, 459th Airlift Squadron C-12J Huron pilot, and a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force member assigned to the 61st Air Service Squadron sit in the cockpit of a JMSDF C-130R Hercules during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 7, 2025. The event enabled both nations’ aircrews to tour each other’s aircraft and discuss mission capabilities, building a deeper understanding of how each service supports airlift operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote) Details Download U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron and the 459th Airlift Squadron visited the 61st Air Transport Squadron for a bilateral subject matter expert exchange.