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rmen from 13th Air Force and six Japan Air Self Defense Force liaison officers are engrossed in Exercise Keen Edge ’07 at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, in an effort to increase combat readiness as well as interoperability with JASDF. The intent of the Japan-led exercise is to deter aggression, ensure Japan’s defense and protect common interests within the Pacific Region. The command post exercise uses computer simulation of force employment. By working with Japan’s officers, the 613th Air and Space Operation Center members will learn to integrate each country’s forces to respond to contingency operations, natural disasters and humanitarian efforts.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.