U.S., Japan execute revised air refueling agreement for first time, display bilateral partnership

  • Published
  • By Capt. Will Powell & Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady
  • 5th Air Force & 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  U.S. and Japanese Airmen displayed the strength of the partnership the two nations have forged over the past 50 years when a four-ship of Japanese F-15J Eagles from Naha Air Base executed air-to-air dry-contact refueling training with a Kadena Air Base KC-135 Stratotanker, Dec. 17.

Two of the pilots in the formation were instructor pilots who will be able to subsequently train and update the currencies of other Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots.

"The training was very proficient, by the books and went extremely well," said Capt. Stephen Grantier, 909th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot. "Not only did we help them maintain currency but they were able to help our boom operators maximize training by providing multiple contacts."

Japanese forces have participated in joint air refueling training with U.S. forces before, but Dec. 17 marked the first time the two air forces executed their revised memorandum of understanding for air refueling that was signed in October. The updated MOU commits JASDF and the U.S. Air Force to use common air-to-air refueling procedures that the U.S. and many other countries use when refueling and receiving fuel from each other's airframes.

"Simply speaking, this means greater interoperability between the U.S. and Japan because now Japan will be using the same refueling procedures we use to receive fuel," said Dave Older, 5th Air Force Host Nation Support Program Manager.

"The MOU will also allow JASDF tankers, when ready, to refuel U.S. aircraft," added Ron Sandholzer, 5th Air Force Chief of Defense Cooperation and Interoperability.

Capt. Shingo Mizuiwa, the JASDF flight leader for the four-ship formation, said he's honored to be able to participate in this first use of the revised U.S./Japan memorandum of understanding.

"[It] is a step forward toward bilateral training not only during the year of 50th anniversary of the security treaty between the U.S. and Japan, but also for other bilateral events in the future," Captain Mizuiwa added. "I'm looking forward to future training opportunities involving flexible bilateral operations that will take advantage of the proximity of USAF and JASDF forces stationed in Okinawa."

Lt. Col. Glen Lehman, the 909th ARS Commander, sees that proximity as simpler coordination and more opportunities to refuel JASDF aircraft.

"It will allow improved coordination and ease the coordination process," said Colonel Lehman. "Ultimately, I anticipate more frequent bi-lateral training, which will result in improved interoperability between the Young Tigers of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and the JASDF."