Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128
joined forces with Japan Air Self-Defense Force in this year's Cope
North exercise in Guam last week.
The two-week excursion will pit both units as well as other
elements of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Aviation Logistic
Squadron 12, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Air Control
Group 18 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 in a
bilateral exercise designed to enhance air operation capabilities
of both countries in the joint defense of Japan
The Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual
Security and Defense is the basis of Cope North, which has been
ongoing since 1978. During this year's exercise pilots from both
countries will conduct training in air combat tactics, electronic
combat and airborne air control. The training will place U.S.
pilots against their Japanese counterparts in real-life scenarios
as one side tries to defend their airspace while the other side
attempts to penetrate it.
This exercise will give the Marines and Sailors in the air, as
well as those on the ground, opportunities to not only enhance
their capabilities but also providing some unique training not
available to them in Iwakuni.
"This will be our first chance to work directly with another
country's military," said Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Curley,
Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128, command master chief. "This
will also allow us to be able to work with (Marine Fighter Attack
Squadron) 224 and be a part of the Maine Aircraft Group 12 team in
this theater of operations."
The Marines and Sailors from Iwakuni taking part in Cope North
are excited to train with the Japanese forces and the unique
challenges that will offer.
"This will give us an opportunity to explore another part of the
world that we would not have otherwise seen," said Curley. VAQ-128
is currently deployed to Iwakuni from Naval Air Station Whidbey
Island, Wash.
Although many lessons learned will be in the sky, the pilots
from both sides will be sitting down and discussing the day's
transactions. One of the most important lessons learned for the
JASDF, which the U.S. pilots are accustomed too is the deploying
and redeploying of their service members.
While Cope North will be providing both countries with valuable
training opportunities during their short stay, all business and no
play would be a waste to a beautiful place such as Guam and some
Sailors and Marines are planning accordingly.
"I am going scuba diving every day," said Staff Sgt. Nathan M.
Guy, MAG-12 operations chief. "They have some good reef down there
and I want to see as much as I can." [ANN Thanks MCAS Iwakuni's
Cpl. Anthony D. Pike]