US-2 conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise “RESCUE FLAG IWAKUNI"

An amphibious rescue aircraft US-2 from Air Rescue Squadron 71 conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise RESCUE FLAG IWAKUNI with the JASDF U-125, UH-60J and the U.S. Air Force MC-130J in the sea and airspace east of Iwakuni and Bungo Channel.
The Commanding officer of Flight Division 71, Air Rescue Squadron 71, Commander ARAMAKI Taisuke, said, “This exercise was very meaningful in terms of cooperation with the Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force. In particular, the rainy season front forced us to make some changes in the exercise plan, but we were able to conduct the exercise smoothly through in-depth, knee-to-knee discussions between Japan and the U.S. In addition to the exercise using aircraft, we deepened mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japanese rescue forces through active exchanges of opinions and sporting events. We will continue to strengthen cooperation between our forces to establish a more effective and efficient Japan-U.S. bilateral air rescue posture.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.