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JAAGA enhances Japan-U.S. alliance, receives base tour

  • Published
  • By Capt. Will Powell
  • 5th Air Force Public Affairs
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  For more than 55 years, the U.S. Air Force has enjoyed a strong relationship with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Both organizations share commitments to the same values, to security and to stability, which creates a common bond between the two organizations. But maintaining the bilateral relationship can be challenging with frequent personnel changes and relocations on both sides. 

Fortunately, a Japanese private organization made up of more than 300 retired JASDF senior officers and civilian members provides a vital link between the JASDF and 5th Air Force. Known as Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association, the organization promotes friendship and mutual understanding between JASDF and the Air Force. Since the group's inception in 1996, it has become one of the key organizations that supports the bilateral relationship between the two forces. 

The group coordinates frequent social and sporting events with 5th AF, sponsors awards for Airmen and visits each 5th AF base once a year to learn as much as they can about the mission of 5th AF and its wings. The interactions provide an opportunity for Airmen to meet with those who are concerned with working even more closely in the common goal of providing for the defense of Japan. 

A group of about 40 JAAGA members toured parts of Yokota Sept. 30 for their annual orientation where they received various mission briefs and facility tours. 

Lt. Gen. Edward Rice, 5th AF and U.S. Forces Japan commander, met with the group and said the main functions of 5th AF are to ensure the U.S. Air Force can conduct operations from Japan, through Japan and with the air self defense forces. He also thanked the group for all the work they do to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. 

"JAAGA continues to be a very important part of the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the Air Self-Defense Force," he said. "But even more broadly and more importantly, you are an important part of the relationship between the people of the U.S. and the people of Japan. You all are very important and very busy people, and the fact that you would take part of your time to be part of this organization and to help strengthen this relationship says a great deal about each one of you." 

Kenichi Doi, a JAAGA corporate member for two years, said the tours are a good way for the JAAGA members to promote to others what Airmen are doing and to help spread good ideas from Airmen to their Japanese counterparts. 

"These base visits and other interactions help form a 'grassroots' type of relationship between us," Mr. Doi said. "This is how we achieve a real partnership - by opening up our hearts and building personal friendships."