USAF and JASDF share search and rescue capabilities

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class David C. Danford
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  For those stranded at sea or lost in the mountains, the sound of helicopter rotor blades brings hope of imminent rescue. While search and rescue missions are primarily conducted by civilian organizations such as fire department agencies or local law enforcement officers, when necessary the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will provide airlift support to isolated personnel.

Members of the 459th Airlift Squadron, alongside service members from Kadena and Misawa Air Force Base, met with JASDF Air Rescue Squadrons from across Japan to share knowledge on their unique search and rescue capabilities.

"We are the Pacific Air Force's hand forward in Japan, interacting with JASDF on exercises, training and any other issues," said Maj. Nicholas Morris, 5th Air Force chief of the rotary wing personnel recovery, at Yokota. "We hope to build lasting friendships at this conference."

During the conference, briefers highlighted the various aircraft used by the JASDF and USAF for SAR missions, while also detailing lessons learned from prior contingency operations. Other topics included; areas of responsibility, emergency response procedures, survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists and the possibility of future joint SAR training.

"The conference was very interesting for me," said JASDF Maj. Hitoshi Watanabe, Hamamatsu Air Rescue Squadron UH-60J pilot. "I am familiar with the 33rd Rescue Squadron from Kadena but this was my first time meeting with the 459th and SERE specialists. There are many differences between the JASDF and USAF capabilities and I believe we can learn from, and advise each other."

The two-day event was hosted at both Iruma and Yokota Air Base giving the JASDF and USAF pilots an opportunity to view their counterparts' facilities and aircraft. And by learning from each other, it builds upon an already strong friendship.

"We can use discussions like this to further our relationship," said Lt. Col. William Martin, 459th Airlift Squadron commander. "Above all I am encouraged by our discussions of our future together and how we plan to make it a reality."