The last members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force’s redeployment group departed an air base in Southwest Asia Feb. 10, thus ending Japan’s airlift support of Iraqi reconstruction after almost five years. “I’m proud of our airmen to conclude this historical operation of JASDF,” said Col. Isami Sagae, the redeployment group commander. A total of 3,600 JASDF personnel had worked alongside coalition forces since 2004, providing airlift for the coalition and UN via JASDF C-130 transports. After the mission ended, more than a hundred JASDF personnel had remained behind to restore the facilities that they used and ship equipment back to Japan. The JASDF’s overseas airlift mission was a historic first in terms of duration. Col. Paul Feather, vice commander of USAF’s 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, said the Japanese personnel “played a huge role” in the success of the airlift mission from the base. “They’ve just done an outstanding job,” he added. (386th AEW report by SSgt. Thomas J. Doscher)
B-21 Bomber Shelter May Reveal Size of Secret Jet
March 3, 2021
The Air Force may have inadvertently revealed the size of the secret B-21 bomber with the release of an image of a temporary shelter for the airplane. The service is evaluating several designs for temporary shelters for everyday use and deployment to temporary operating locations. If the B-21 fully fits…