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JASDF trains on air refueling ops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
American pilots flew training missions here this week with 12 F-15 pilots from the Japan Air Self Defense Force, to familiarize them with air refueling operations. 

The air refueling training was a new concept to some of the JASDF participants. Others had trained with Kadena refuelers in the past. 

"Several JASDF individuals gained their qualification last year but haven't trained since," said Capt. David Erpelding, 18th Operations Support Squadron instructor pilot. "So this training will update their qualification and also serve as initial qualification for the first-timers." 

JASDF will soon receive U.S.-made KC-767s, giving them another reason to become proficient with air refueling. 

Another purpose for teaching air refueling to JASDF pilots is to continue their participation in exercises such as Red Flag in Alaska. 

"We want to incorporate JASDF in Red Flag exercises," said Capt. Bryan Murdock, 67th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot. "So in order to get their planes to the states, they'll need to learn to refuel in the air." 

F-15 instructor pilots from Kadena as well as Headquarters 13th Air Force, Headquarters 5th Air Force and Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., flew in the backseat of 2-seat JASDF F-15s to help guide JASDF F-15 pilots through the air refueling process. 

JASDF pilots also flew with KC-135 aircrews to gain a better understanding of air refueling operations. 

"The first time they tried to connect with the boom wasn't very successful," said Captain Murdock. "But throughout the sortie afterward, they got the hang of it." 

More than language barriers, inexperience proved to be the biggest obstacle for the JASDF pilots. 

"The biggest challenge for the JASDF pilots is they've never done this before," the instructor pilot said. "Although they are excellent pilots, they have no experience with air refueling, so we're using a building block approach to get them up to speed." 

The joint training benefited both American and Japanese forces. 

"This interaction supports the credibility of our combined 13th Air Force and 5th Air Force team with our JASDF partners," said Maj. Marcelo Morales, 13th Air Force, Det. 1 operations division. "It is an opportunity to continue building relationships and influence the next generation of JASDF leaders." 

The joint training proved to be a rewarding experience for the American pilots. 

"It's always good to work with JASDF and see how their pilots do things," said Captain Murdock. 

This year marks the seventh time JASDF has participated in joint air refueling training.