Japan defense chief at CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff was onboard Dec. 1-2 to check in on 10 of his nation’s student-pilots undergoing Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training with the Air Force. Columbus AFB is “one of the best places for flight training," said Gen. Harukazu Saitoh. “The extensive training range … enables the U.S. Air Force to train pilots quite effectively, and its three runways allow them to respond to unexpected situations flexibly." Saitoh said the U.S.-Japan Security Arrangements are a cornerstone of Japan's security. The JASDF student-pilot training with the Air Force began in 1991. To date, 215 JASDF pilots have completed their training with the Air Force. (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing, 12/03/14)