Six F-15Cs from Kadena AB, Japan, flew to Komatsu AB, Japan, for a week of deployment cooperation training with the Japan Air Self Defense Force. During the aviation training relocation, which began Dec. 7, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15s will practice integrated operations with two JASDF F-15 units—the 303th Tactical Fighter Squadron and 306th TFS—in an effort to enhance readiness and exchanging knowledge, according to Kadena’s Dec. 8 release. “We are very excited about working and integrating with the Japan Air Self Defense Force here . . . and exchanging lessons learned and tactics,” said USAF Lt. Col. Morris Fontenot, 67th FS commander.
The lack of training ranges and airspace in Japan are making it difficult for U.S. aircrews to maintain readiness during the pandemic, the head of U.S. forces in Japan said. U.S. and Japanese aircraft and personnel need to leave the country for high-end training, often traveling to major exercise such…