Japanese civic leaders get taste of Kadena mission

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Hutcheson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 30 business and industry leaders from the Tokyo area got a chance to see the Kadena mission up close Thursday and Friday as part of a civic leader tour sponsored by the Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA).

The group received a mission brief from 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach and took a tour of the flight line. At F-15, HH-60 and KC-135 static displays, they spoke to aircrews about what it takes to operate the aircraft and had a chance to climb into the cockpits. They also had a front row seat for a series of thunderous F-15 and F/A-18 takeoffs that awed the visitors even as they shook the tour bus.

In his remarks to the group, General Wilsbach highlighted the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. - Japan Mutual Security Treaty and stressed that the relative peace and security in the region over the last half century has been due in large part to the strong mutual cooperation between America and Japan.

"These visits are an important part of our outreach efforts," said General Wilsbach. "By opening up our doors to nationwide industry leaders and opinion makers and educating them on Kadena's strategic role in U.S. - Japan security, we can create better advocates for the base and the alliance."

For the tour participants, the visit to Kadena was a once in a lifetime chance to see the largest U.S. air base in the Pacific and to gain a better understanding of its mission.

"The U.S.-Japan treaty allows us to have a trade relationship with U.S. bases," said Shinji Sasaki, Marubeni Aerospace Corp. "This tour provides a better understanding of the different types of aircraft in the U.S. inventory."

"JAAGA members, as well as our supporting members, appreciated the opportunity to observe the current conditions of Kadena with our own eyes," said Maj. Gen. Arai. "I appreciate the support and friendships you provide us."

The civic leader tour is one of JAAGA's biggest annual events. JAAGA was founded in 1996 by retired officers of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as a way to promote trust, cooperation and understanding between the JASDF and U.S. Air Force.

In addition to civic leader outreach programs to develop more public support for the JASDF and U.S. Air Force, JAAGA organizes seminars that bring U.S. and Japanese officers together and sponsors recognition programs for individuals from both Air Forces who contribute most to enhancing mutual relations.

JAAGA honored Master Sgt Dennis O'Grady, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron inspection section chief, Feb. 5 for his efforts to enhance JASDF-USAF relations.