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

From 2 through 12 September, an amphibious rescue aircraft US-2, Fleet Air Wing 31 conducted a Japan-U.S. bilateral exercise RESCUE FLAG IWAKUNI with the JASDF, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps in the vicinity of JMSDF Iwakuni Air Base, Bungo Channel and South of Shikoku.

In cooperation with the JASDF and the U.S. Forces, we have demonstrated a series of search and rescue exercises under the challenging scenario which called for rescuing and transporting patients involved in a maritime accident. The exercise was conducted for the fifth time, as we had executed four similar exercises in the past three years. Through the exercise, the JMSDF improved its tactical capabilities as well as enhanced cooperation with the JASDF and U.S. Forces.

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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