US-2 conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise RESCUE FLAG OKINAWA.

From January 21 through 30, an amphibious rescue aircraft US-2, Air Rescue Squadron 71 conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise RESCUE FLAG OKINAWA with the JASDF, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps in the sea and airspace around Okinawa island.

Captain KAWABATA Tomonari, Commanding Officer of Air Rescue Squadron 71 said, “We conducted a joint search and rescue exercise with Air Rescue Wing Naha, Detachment, JASDF (U-125A, UH-60J), U.S. Air Force (MC-130J, HH-60) and U.S. Marine Corps (MV-22) to improve our capability and strengthen cooperation with the JASDF, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. I believe it was very successful and it contributes to realize Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”

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.

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