Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masahito Yajima, right, Southwestern Air Defense Force commander, converses with U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, left, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, before the start of the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. Bilateral exchanges allow for a better understanding of the capabilities held by each country's armed forces, as well as improving relations between the United States and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members pose for a photo during the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. USAF, USMC and JASDF members went over various training and defense capabilities. The event ended with each ally having a better understanding of their training ethics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masahito Yajima, Southwestern Air Defense Force commander, gives closing remarks during the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. The OBTE allowed all participating services to observe, learn and discuss ways to increase bilateral training efforts, operational integration, safety and regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Shigenao Suzuki, 9th Air Wing commander, gives closing remarks during the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. USAF, USMC and JASDF leadership went over various training and defense capabilities. The event ended with each ally having a better understanding of their training ethics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, speaks with 18th Wing and Japan Aerial Self-Defense Force members on the importance of cooperation during the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. The OBTE was meant to bring Kadena and JASDF leadership together to learn and discuss ways to increase bilateral training efforts, operational integration, safety and regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Shigenao Suzuki, left, 9th Air Wing commander, speaks with U.S. Air Force Col. Nicholas Evans, right, 18th Wing commander, before the start of the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. Bilateral exchanges allow for a better understanding of the capabilities held by each country's armed forces, as well as improving relations between the United States and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

Japan Aerial Self-Defense Force, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps Service members wait before the start of the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. Bilateral exchanges allow for a better understanding of the capabilities held by each country's armed forces, as well as improving relations between the United States and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange happens at Kadena

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Shigenao Suzuki, 9th Air Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Nicholas Evans, 18th Wing commander, converse before the start of the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. The OBTE allowed the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF members to observe, learn and discuss ways to increase bilateral training efforts, operational integration, safety and regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

Bilateral Tactics Exchange kicks off at Kadena

Published Dec. 12, 2023
By A1C Edward Yankus
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan --

Japan Aerial Self-Defense Force, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps Service members meet together at Kadena Air Base for the Okinawa Bilateral Tactics Exchange conference for a better understanding of the capabilities held by each others armed forces, as well as improving relations between the United States and Japan.