The Japanese parliament on Tuesday passed a measure that would extend the use of Japan Air Defense Force assets to haul cargo and personnel in Iraq, reports Reuters news service. Japanese military air elements have aided coalition operations in Iraq since December 2003, and they have taken over some airlift operations in the Pacific to free USAF airlifters for Southwest Asia duty.
As commander of Air Forces Central, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich has been at the heart of almost all U.S. military action in the Middle East, from overseeing airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups to protecting troops as America’s air defense commander for the region. Just before handing over his command to…