MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Strike Fighter Squadron 97 built a special relationship with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force in February with the successful completion of two Aviation Training Relocation (ATR) detachments.
The first ATR brought two Warhawk jets 130 miles South of Iwakuni to Nyutabaru Air Base, where Navy Cmdr. James Preston III, VFA-97 executive officer, and Navy Lt. Brian Sawicki, VFA-97 training officer, took on the JASDF F-4 Phantoms stationed there.
“It was a great opportunity for the U.S. and Japan to integrate and learn from each other,” Preston said.
“Everyone involved was dedicated to the success of the combined training.”
Over the course of four flights the two countries faced off in two-on-two engagements and practiced air-to-air tactics both within and beyond visual range.
“It’s really great to be able to go up against a fellow pilot from a different country,” said Sawicki excited to face a Phantom. “It gives us the chance to really see how we do in a new environment.”
The last week of February took four Warhawk jets, four pilots and eight maintainers to Chitose Air Base. Located in Hokkaido prefecture near Sapporo City, Chitose boasted temperatures in the single digits and more than four feet of snow in two days.
“This was more than just a training opportunity,” said Navy Cmdr. Russell McCormack, VFA-97 commanding officer. “It was a way to cement already-strong relationships between the U.S. and the Government of Japan. We have received no less than spectacular support form the personnel based at Chitose Air Base, and we look forward to hosting similar events for our friends in the future.”
While operating with the Chitose-based JASDF F-15 Eagles it was not uncommon to be taxiing on two to three inches of hard-packed snow and walking on jets in below-freezing temperatures. Two of the ATR flights were cancelled due to complete white out conditions, bringing the field’s visibility dangerously low.
“This is an invaluable experience,” said Lt. Tommy Kolwicz, the detachment’s officer-in-charge. “Not only are we able to train with the JASDF and their very capable Eagles, but learning to operate in these extreme weather conditions is something not many people get to do.”
Each evening, Warhawks and JASDF personnel were able to meet socially, trade stories, learn about each others squadron, and develop lasting relationships.
Spending time with the Warhawks throughout the ATR, Maj. Gen. Shimpei Fukue, the Chitose 2nd Wing commander, expressed his gratitude for the squadron’s presence stating, “We hope this is the first of many future training opportunities between the U.S. and Japan.”