Party!

Tech. Sgt. Brian Witherspoon, assistant section chief of the 67th Specialist Section, joins with Airmen from the Japan Air Self Defense Force to perform a traditional Japanese dance called the Hyottoko during a welcome party Feb. 23 in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Airmen from the 18th Wing attended the welcome party hosted by the Nyutabaru Association to kick-off an Aviation Training Relocation at Nyutabaru Air Base. Five Kadena F-15s and about 80 Airmen are training with their JASDF counterparts Feb. 23-27.

Party!

Japan Air Self Defense Force members perform a traditional Japanese celebratory dance called the Hyottoko during a welcome party hosted by the Nyutabaru Association Feb. 23 in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The party kicked-off an Aviation Training Relocation at Nyutabaru Air Base. Five Kadena F-15s and about 80 Airmen are training with their JASDF counterparts Feb. 23-27.

Airmen attend welcome party for Aviation Training Relocation

Published Feb. 25, 2009
By Beth Gosselin
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Thirteen Airmen from the 18th Wing were treated to a welcome dinner Feb. 23 hosted by members of the Nyutabaru Association in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.

Members of the civic group welcomed the Airmen and their Japan Air Self Defense Force counterparts as a way to show their support to both air forces during a bilateral training event at Nyutabaru Air Base.

"This welcome party is a great way to show our close relationship," said Maj. Gen. Keiichi Yonezawa , Nyutabaru Air Base base commander. "I wish all of us successful and safe training."

During the party, the group dined on traditional Japanese food and enjoyed a live Japanese dance performance called the Hyottoko. A line of men donning humorous masks, red kimonos, white belts and a white loincloth called the Fundoshi, danced around the room for the guests.

The dance was created during the end of the Edo Period in the late 19th century. Today, it is used to celebrate a rich harvest or successful business venture.

"Tonight's party was a lot of fun and just highlights the hospitality that has been extended to us since arriving in Miyazaki," said Capt. Bryan Murdock, a pilot with the 67th Fighter Squadron and squadron ATR project officer.

Throughout the week, Airmen hope to have more chances to interact with their Japanese hosts.

"I hope tonight was the first of many nights to meet with the local community and our JASDF counterparts," said Capt. Angela Edmonson, officer in charge of the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "This relationship-building is one of the benefits of these types of training events."

The Airmen are participating in an Aviation Training Relocation at the base from Feb. 23 to Feb. 27. This ATR enables USAF and JASDF personnel to train together in an effort to improve interoperability.