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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders      A Kawasaki C-2 from the 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron flies in a formation during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The 3-day training focused on interoperability between the C-2 and C17 Globemaster III to cultivate best practices for future operations within the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)A Kawasaki C-2 from the 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron flies in a formation during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The three-day training focused on interoperability between the C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III to cultivate best practices for future operations within the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)
                
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15th Wing, JASDF increase interoperability during first bilateral exercisePublished Oct. 9, 2022
                    
                    By Senior Airman Makensie Cooper
            **JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS)  --****Japan Air Self-Defense Force** (Koku-Jieitai) Airmen spent three days training alongside **15th Wing** Airmen, strengthening partnerships and familiarizing both forces with the Kawasaki C-2 and **C-17 Globemaster III**.
This was the first bilateral training exercise between the **535th Airlift Squadron** and the JASDF (K-J) 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron with the main objective of flying in a formation and completing an airdrop mission.
“This is the first exercise of a C-17 and JASDF (K-J) C-2 aircraft,” said JASDF Lt. Col. Motofumi Suzuki, 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron commander. “It is symbolic for us to fly together in the same sky at the same time, as it not only strengthens our alliance but also improves interoperability.”Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech Sgt. Daichi Kubota, 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The exercise was held to strengthen partnerships with allies and increase interoperability for future operations with the C-2 and C-17 airframes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech. Sgt. Daichi Kubota, 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The exercise was held to strengthen partnerships with allies and increase interoperability for future operations with the C-2 and C-17 airframes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)
            
            
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    U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Girard, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, briefs two members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) during a training exercise around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. This is the first bilateral exercise between the squadrons, increasing interoperability and familiarizing both forces on the capabilities of the Kawasaki C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Girard, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, center, briefs two members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) during a training exercise around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. This is the first bilateral exercise between the squadrons, increasing interoperability and familiarizing both forces on the capabilities of the Kawasaki C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)
            
            
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    U.S Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Girard, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral training exercise with Japan Air Self-Defense Force 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron members around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The 3-day bilateral exercise familiarized aircrew from both forces on the capabilities of the Kawasaki C-2 and the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)U.S Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Girard, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sits on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III during a bilateral training exercise with Japan Air Self-Defense Force 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron members around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. The three-day bilateral exercise familiarized aircrew from both forces on the capabilities of the Kawasaki C-2 and the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makensie Cooper)
            
            
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The two squadrons flew orientation sorties to familiarize aircrews from each force on the capabilities of both aircraft and the different processes of each crew.
“It was an honor to be able to lead the formation, put the training plan together, and figure out the main objectives of what we both wanted to accomplish,” said U.S Air Force Capt. Carol Champion, 535th AS instructor pilot. “Having good partners that we know we can depend on and work together with, whether it’s for a humanitarian crisis or any other challenges we face, allows us to handle future situations better.”
The joint training increased operational concepts and capabilities and advanced communication, transparency, and shared values and interests, strengthening partnerships for future situations.
“Robust bilateral relationships like that of the U.S. and Japan are essential to cultivating our ability to support each other across the Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Young, 15th Wing vice commander. “This has been a great opportunity for the 15th Wing team to share our capabilities, strengthen partnerships and advance joint interoperability.”LR 



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