Aircraft arrive at Andersen for Cope North 10-1 kickoff

A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-2 fighter lands in order to participate in the two-week Cope North exercise Feb. 5, 2010, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Japanese F-2 single-engine fighter has performance capabilities roughly comparable to those of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Julian North)

by Senior Airman Shane Dunaway, 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- Twenty-one aircraft from more than a six military units throughout the Pacific region arrived here for Cope North 10-1, a two-week annual bilateral exercise between U.S. forces and the Japan Air Self Defense Force that began Feb. 7.

This is the 11th time Cope North has been held here. U.S. and Japan officials have been conducting Cope North exercises since 1978.

About 24 aircraft will be working with two B-52 Stratofortresses, currently deployed here supporting the continuous bomber presence mission.

"Conducting joint bilateral flying operations allows us to practice all facets of mission planning and execution," said Maj. Marcelo Morales, a member of the Cope North 10-1 staff. "We are able to train to each service's strength and to discover and overcome any shortfalls. Our maintainers, operators, and support personnel are able to interact face-to-face so that we can enhance our interoperability and learn from our bilateral partners."

Cope North is designed to strengthen military relationships between the two countries as well as enhance U.S. and Japanese air operations in defense of Japan.

"Exercises such as Cope North demonstrate our firm resolve to the U.S. - Japan alliance and send an unequivocal message that both nations are committed to continued peace and stability in the region," Major Morales said.

Four Japan Air Self Defense Force F-2s prepare to land to participate in the two-week Cope North exercise Feb. 5, 2010, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Japanese F-2 single-engine fighter has performance capabilities roughly comparable to those of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Julian North)

Cope North exercise to kick off at Andersen

Military members and units from the Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force are preparing to kick off the annual Cope North exercise June 11 to 22 at Andersen Air Force Base.

Cope North is a regularly scheduled joint/bilateral exercise held by the United States and Japan.

The purpose of the exercise is to provide a venue for bilateral cooperation and to improve capabilities for the defense of Japan.

This exercise will be the first for the Japanese Air Self Defense Force's F-2 to participate in an exercise outside of Japan. The first Cope North was held Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 1978, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Cope North exercises are scheduled up to two times each year.