by Senior Airman Nestor Cruz, 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) -- A Kadena Air Base squadron signed an agreement here March 26 with its Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterpart formalizing the joint working relationship they've enjoyed for years.
Lt. Col. Rene Romero, the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron commander, endorsed the first sister squadron agreement between Kadena AB and JASDF with Lt. Col. Miyamoto Hironori, the 602nd AACS commander, during a ceremony on the wing of an E-3 Sentry aircraft.
"This agreement is formalizing everything we've been doing for some time now," said Colonel Romero. "From one commander to another, we've agreed to take part in a sister squadron relationship and work together on a regular basis toward achieving our training objectives."
The 961st AACS commander said the agreement is important and also feeds into the 18th Wing's mission of promoting peace and stability in the Pacific.
The sister squadron agreement was Colonel Hironori's vision and a dream he wanted realized prior to the end of his command.
"My command will end today," said Colonel Hironori. "But I have met with my successor and he understands that this agreement is our stepping stone for the future."
The agreement highlights three objectives that both squadrons will work to achieve: interoperability or data link training, exchange rides and mutual visits.
Data link training will enhance aircrews' capability to electronically link the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft with the E-767 flown by the JASDF.
"This will enable us to share the air picture with each other during sortie missions," said Colonel Romero.
Exchange rides will help familiarize aircrews with their sister squadron's aircraft.
"We try to provide familiarization flights when possible during exercises that both units are attending," said Capt. Brian Hard, the 961st AACS chief of current operations. "The interaction between the 602nd and the 961st has enabled us to better understand the impacts of our training together."
Aside from joint training, the two squadrons have also agreed to mutual visits, which provide opportunities to exchange ideas and share lessons learned from past missions.
"The sister squadron agreement has made our squadrons better partners here in the Pacific," said Captain Hard. "I have always enjoyed international relations and having the opportunity to work with a different country and culture has been incredible."
