Some 200 airmen from 18th Wing at Kadena AB, Japan, accompanied 12 F-15 Eagles on a two-week aviation training relocation deployment to Nyutabaru AB, Japan, last weekend, where they will train jointly with Japan Air Self Defense Force units on the island of Kyushu. The 12 F-15s, from Kadena’s 67th Fighter Squadron, arrived at Nyutabaru on Oct. 18 and will fly and train alongside JASDF F-4Js of the 5th Wing to improve tactical interoperability and readiness for the next two weeks. In addition to training with the 5th Wing at Nyutabaru, USAF Capt. William Sullivan, 67th FS ATR project officer, said Kadena’s 623rd Air Control Flight also will train for ground control intercepts at nearby Tsuiki AB, Japan—home of JASDF’s 8th Wing. The ATR gives Kadena airmen the chance to practice deployed operations, while working with elements of both the 5th and 8th Wings. Sullivan said Kadena pilots and USAF fighters have flown a lot with JASDF units stationed at Naha, on Okinawa, but have not flown with pilots from Nyutabaru in five years. “This training will help us understand each other better and help us work together in the future,” said JASDF Lt. Col. Takashi Asaoka, of the 5th Wing.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.