Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descend from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron over JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area, Japan, during Airborne 23, Jan. 31, 2023. 300 JGSDF paratroopers performed a static-line jump from Nine U.S. Air Force C-130J’s, showcasing the strategic importance of engaging in joint airborne operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Morris, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot, uses a handheld radio to communicate with U.S. Air Force C-130J pilots during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 at Nagamine Drop Zone, Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pathfinder assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade checks a weather balloon to measure wind drift for airborne operations during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki C-1 assigned to the 2nd Airlift Group and a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, fly in formation during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descends from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descends from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade packs his parachute after completing a static-line jump during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade packs his parachute after completing a static-line jump during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descend from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descend from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descend from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23 over Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade carries his equipment after landing at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023, during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade carries his equipment after landing at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023, during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade carries his equipment after landing at Kikaijima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023, during Field Training Exercise Iron Fist 23. During the exercise, the USAF and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted simulated island seizure airborne operations as the U.S. Marine Corps performed a simultaneous amphibious assault onto the beachhead. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2023 during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display. The two-day festival allowed visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of the Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services, and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of staff of the Joint Staff, salute members of the JGSDF Honor Guard during a pass and review at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 4, 2023. The JGSDF held a welcoming ceremony for Gen. Cotton as part of his first visit to the region as USSTRATCOM commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
