By Senior Airman Quay Drawdy, 18 Wing Public Affairs / Published October 04, 2017
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Rescue Squadron and U.S. Army Soldiers walk down a runway toward an MC-130J Commando II after parachute training Oct. 3, 2017, at Ie Shima, Japan. Service members must retain their proficiency in jump operations to ensure they are ready to conduct operational and humanitarian missions at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 31st Rescue Squadron gathers his parachute after landing during training Oct. 3, 2017, at Ie Shima, Japan. Airmen and Soldiers train on a regular basis in order to maintain superior operational and humanitarian capabilities that can be executed immediately in the event of crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 31st Rescue Squadron puts simple knots in his parachute cord during parachute training Oct. 3, 2017, at Ie Shima, Japan. Parachute training better enables long-range rescue and rapid response to humanitarian or security crises and is necessary for safe execution of those capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Rescue Squadron transport a simulated patient during training Oct. 3, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Service members must retain their proficiency in jump operations to ensure they are ready to conduct operational and humanitarian missions at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Rescue Squadron walk out onto the flightline Oct. 3, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Airmen and Soldiers train on a regular basis in order to maintain superior operational and humanitarian capabilities that can be executed immediately in the event of crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Special Operations Group descend during parachute training Oct. 3, 2017, at Ie Shima, Japan. Airman and Soldiers who jumped during the training landed quickly and safely within the designated landing zone, demonstrating efficiency and superior capability in the event of operational needs or humanitarian crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Special Operations Group descend together during parachute training Oct. 3, 2017, at Ie Shima, Japan. Parachute capabilities enable special forces members to perform operational and humanitarian missions in locations where aircraft cannot land. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)