Realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan (Training Relocation: FY2006 Joint Training Program)

February 27, 2007

With respect to the Aviation Training Relocation, Japan and the United States agreed at the Joint Committee of January 11, 2007, on such items as the cost-sharing, modality of bilateral training plans, based on "United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation" of May 2006.
The first event of bilateral training based on the above-mentioned agreement will be carried out as follows:
- (1) Schedule: March 5 (Mon) - 8 (Thu), 2007
- (2) Participation Units
  Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF): 8th Air Wing, Western Aircraft Control and Warning Wing
  U.S. Air Force (USAF): 18th Wing (Kadena)
- (3) SDF Base to be used: Tsuiki Air Base
- (4) Training Item: Air Combat Maneuvering Training and others
- (5) Airspace: Northern area of Kyushu, Western area of Kyushu, and Offshore area of Shikoku
- (6) Size:
  JASDF: Approximately four F-15s
  USAF: Approximately five F-15s
  Approximately 50 personnel
  * Two C-130s will be operated to support the training
  * An advance team of several persons will arrive at Tsuiki Base prior to the training.
This first event of training relocation is expected to improve the interoperability between Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Forces to reduce the burden of the local communities caused by training activities in Kadena Air Base.

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