Yokota, Miho NCOs strengthen occupational ties during exchange

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MIHO AIR BASE, Japan --  Eight Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, partnered with eight Japan Air Self-Defense Force members at Miho Air Base, Japan, for a weeklong non-commissioned officer exchange.

During the exchange, the NCOs from Yokota paired up with their JASDF counterparts from similar career fields for a total immersion experience.

"We want all of the participants to get the most out of their experience, learning about the similarities and differences of our career fields and services," said Master Sgt. John Souza, 374th Airlift Wing bilateral coordinator.

From dusk to dawn, the Airmen lived, ate and worked together, which for some U.S. Airmen, reminded them of basic training. A typical day with the JASDF is as follows: Reveille sounds at 6 a.m., everyone eats breakfast in the chow hall by 7 a.m. and then everyone goes to work until 5 p.m. After work, the JASDF members have free time until 9 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on the weekends.

"Their work ethic is bar none," said Tech. Sgt. Brock Atchley, 374th Operation Support Squadron. "They are on duty from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they are always doing something. It was amazing to see how hard they work."

In addition to learning about daily operations, participants also learned new job skills from one another. One example is Staff Sgt. Stephanie Schwartz, 374th Maintenance Squadron, who learned how JASDF maintenance members repair and test gauges.

"The experience offers them one more tool in their tool bag, so when they move on to another base they've had the experience," said Souza.

For the NCOs, the experience was one they will never forget.

"I would love to do this program again if it came up," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Fitzgerald, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "I've been in Japan for four-and-a-half years, but I think this has been my number one experience."

Atchley added, "Especially if you are going to be here for two, three or possibly four years, the exchange identifies the similarities and differences between the air forces, but it also provides a great way to get to know someone, too. The biggest impact it had was making a lifelong friend."