Air Force, JASDF NCOs honored during ceremony at Naha Air Base

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  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  During the 13th annual Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA) award ceremony and reception held at Naha Air Base Feb. 4, one Air Force non-commissioned officer and one Japan Air Self Defense Force NCO were presented awards for working to strengthen the bonds between the US and Japan.

The awards were presented to Master Sgt. Jerry Laney, Career Assistance Advisor at Kadena Air Base, and Master Sgt. Hiromasa Namiki, an education and training staff NCO at Headquarters, Southwestern Air Composite Division, Naha Air Base. Master Sergeants Laney and Namiki worked together to develop education programs and seminars.

Japan Air Self Defense Force Gen. (Ret) Yoshimitsu Tsumagari, President of JAAGA, said "The purpose of this Award presentation is to promote the further good relationship and trust between JASDF and USAF by honoring JASDF and USAF members whose efforts greatly enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the two Air Forces."

"Through this program we were able to share professional educational qualities in the form of seminars to JASDF members to allow them to better understand how we work, think and execute our mission. On the flip side, the USAF was able to allow U S Air Force, Navy, Marine and Army members the chance to learn how to better communicate, understand and respect the Japanese culture through these same seminars. It was, is, and will always be truly a win-win for both sides," said Sergeant Laney.

Col. Roftiel Constantine, 18th Mission Support Group commander, in attendance as a representative of the 18th wing, commented during his remarks, "Congratulations to Master Sergeant Namiki and Master Sergeant Jerry Laney for helping to strengthen relations between our two Air Forces. The exchange programs and seminars you have been involved in are extremely important and enhance camaraderie and esprit de corps between the U.S. Air Force and the JASDF. The relationships that we are developing now as a result of your work will pay huge dividends if we ever have to fly and fight together in the defense of Japan. Thank you for exemplifying the spirit of professionalism that defines our two great Air Forces."

JAAGA was established by JASDF veterans in 1996. It aims to contribute to promote friendship and mutual understanding between JASDF and USAF.