211102-F-JK399-1656

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Fournier, 33rd Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, looks out the side of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aboard the JS Kunisaki on the Pacific Ocean in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 Nov. 2, 2021. This is the first time a 33rd RQS HH-60G has landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force vessel. U.S. Air Force SMAs are capable of providing weapon defense when necessary, in order for the team to successfully complete its missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel approach a 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 aboard the JS Kunisaki, in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 2, 2021. This was the first time a 33rd RQS HH-60G landed on a JMSDF vessel. The exercise prepares U.S. Airmen, Sailors and Marines to work side by side with JMSDF in an operational environment with unknown contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

The JS Kunisaki sails on the Pacific Ocean in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 Nov. 2, 2021. The exercise prepared participants for what may come tomorrow by developing communication, collaboration, and partnership with Japan Self-Defense Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel observe as a 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter approaches the JS Kunisaki in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021, in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 2, 2021. This was the first time a 33 RQS HH-60G landed on a JMSDF vessel. The exercise enhances U.S. and Japan Forces bilateral capabilities for casualty rescue operations during times when humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts are needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter flies over the Pacific Ocean in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 Nov. 2, 2021. The HH-60G Pave Hawk is a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter operated by Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Education and Training Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter lands aboard the JS Kunisaki on the Pacific Ocean in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 Nov. 2, 2021. This is the first time a 33rd RQS HH-60G has landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force vessel. Rescue and medical services are fundamental to humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk lands aboard the JS Kunisaki on the Pacific Ocean in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021 Nov. 2, 2021. This is the first time a 33rd RQS HH-60G pave Hawk helicopter has landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force vessel. Bilateral training allows the U.S. and Japan to exchange information and practices to improve interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

211102-F-JK399-1656

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter lands aboard the JS Kunisaki in support of Remote Island Disaster Exercise 2021, on the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 2, 2021. This is the first time a 33rd RQS HH-60G has landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force vessel. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter has folding rotor blades to improve transportability and shipboard operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter)

Bilateral exercise sees historic first 33rd RQS landing on JMSDF vessel

Published Nov. 4, 2021
By Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --