MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Approximately 60 Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Air Wing 31 sailors performed re-qualification and familiarization training with the Howa Type 64 semiautomatic rifles at the Indoor Small Arms Range here Nov. 28 to Dec. 3.
Maintaining a qualification and staying familiar with the Howas is essential for JMSDF sailors in order to protect Japan if necessary.
JMSDF Sailors are required to re-qualify every three months. Re-qualifying at the ISAR saves training and travel time for sailors.
“This is our job as sailors of Japan,” said Chief Petty Officer Akitoshi Harada, JMSDF FAW-31 Iwakuni Air Support Squadron chief petty officer. “We have to be prepared to defend our country no matter what.”
If a scenario arose where JMSDF sailors had to return enemy fire, this training would ensure the sailors could accurately put rounds down range and on target.
Helping the JMSDF sailors hone their sharpshooter skills for the protection of Japan meshed perfectly with the ISAR Marines’ train of thought.
“Marines are here in order to help protect Japan from its enemies,” said Staff Sgt. Greg L. Guthrie, ISAR staff noncommissioned officer-incharge. “They are a great bunch of men and women to work and serve with. With both Marines and JMSDF sailors watching out for Japan, the Japanese citizens can rest easy every night.”
The sailors shot in groups of six. Each shooter had an assistant while a Marine range coach oversaw the action on the line.
The shooters seemed to enjoy working with the ISAR Marines, but had mixed feelings about operating the rifles.
“I would only use this weapon in defense of my country,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Suzuki Tsuyoshi, a JMSDF FAW-31 air crewman. “I would prefer to solve a situation without violence, but if the need to use these rifles ever occurred, I would not hesitate to fire.”
JMSDF sailors and security forces have previously used the ISAR infrequently, but plan to use the facility more frequently for future training.
The JMSDF is the naval defense force for Japan and has approximately 46,000 sailors and personnel, 110 ships and 300 aircraft.
The Howa Type 64 semiautomatic rifle, a weapon unique to Japanese Self-Defense Force and Japanese Coast Guard, came into service in 1964 and fires a North Atlantic Treaty Organization 7.62 51mm round.
The Type 64 was superseded by the modern Howa Type 89 semi-automatic rifle in 1990, but is still in use with all JSDF branches and JCG.