U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 459th Airlift Squadron, and Japan Self-Defense Force members, assigned to the Niigata Air Rescue Squadron, participated in Rescue Flag 26-1 at Niigata, Japan, Sept. 3, 2026. The 459th Airlift Squadron and JASDF Niigata Air Rescue Squadron worked together to strengthen bilateral ties while practicing a coordinated response to a simulated rescue operation.