JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

U.S. Air Force Capt. Troy Capasso, 333rd Fighter Squadron pilot, shows Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets an F-35A Lightning II helmet during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. Through the Japanese Observer Exchange Program, USAF and JASDF learn from each other, enhancing interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadet tries on an F-35A Lightning II helmet during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The visit gave the cadets a better understanding of the U.S. military, promoting interoperability and cooperation between partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing brief Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets on F-15E Strike Eagle capabilities during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets line-up to see the cockpit of an F-15E Strike Eagle during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The visit gave the cadets a better understanding of the U.S. military, promoting interoperability and cooperation between partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets speak to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Christopher Harmon, 336th Fighter Squadron pilot, during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The JOEP visit gave the cadets insight into how the U.S. Air Force operates, strengthening operability between partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Sheffy, 336th Fighter Generation Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle dedicated crew chief, discusses maintenance procedures with a Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadet during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. Through the Japanese Observer Exchange Program, USAF and JASDF learn from each other in order to maintain mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadet speaks to U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Gilmartin, 336th Fighter Squadron pilot, during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets and U.S. Air Force Airmen pose for a group photo during a Japanese Observer Exchange Program visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20, 2023. The Japanese Observer Exchange Program strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos)

JOEP bolsters bonds between U.S. Airmen, JASDF cadets

Published Sept. 10, 2023
By Senior Airman Yosselin Campos
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Japan Air Self-Defense Force cadets visited Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 20 and 25, 2023, for Japanese Observer Exchange Program visits. During the visits, JASDF cadets received an 18th Wing mission briefing, had discussions with U.S. Air Force Airmen and visited static displays of the F-35A Lightning II and the F-15E Strike Eagle. The Japanese Observer Exchange Program strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance and interoperability.