Article Posted on : - Mar 19, 2010

The last F-16 Falcon fighter from the 14th Fighter Squadron takes off from the Tsuiki Air Base, Japan on March 12. A USAF Photo

TSUIKI, JAPAN (BNS): The US Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force have concluded a week-long aviation training relocation exercise here recently.

The exercise saw participation of about 90 airmen from both the countries.

The USAF deployed five of its F-16 Falcon fighters at Japan's Tsuiki air base where the pilots conducted air combat training with the Japanese Air Force's F-12 and F-15 fighters.

“The opportunity to fly with the JASDF during this ATR has increased operation readiness and bilateral interoperability for both US and Japanese forces,” Maj. Chris Eberth, the Tsuiki ATR detachment commander assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, said.

While poor weather led to the cancellation of some training missions, the overall objective was met and the ATR was a success, the Major said.

The exercise concluded on March 12, USAF said in its website.