Lt. Gen. Hironaka visits Columbus AFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kaleb Snay
  • 14th Flying Training Wing public affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Lt. Gen. Masayuki Hironaka, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force commander of Air Training Command and his staff, paid Columbus Air Force Base a visit, May 13-14.

Hironaka was invited by Gen. Robin Rand, commander of Air and Education Training Command, to observe the JASDF personnel in the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program.

"My purpose for visiting was for two things," said Hironaka. "One was being here to speak with the AETC commander and second is being able to observe our students. Since 1991, the JASDF has been dispatching student pilots to train in the U.S. and we are very appreciative for the opportunity[to see the pilots training]."

The JASDF is the aviation branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces responsible for the defense of Japan airspace. They carry out combat air patrols around Japan, while also maintaining a network of ground and air early warning radar systems.

While both the U.S. Air Force and JASDF have very similar training programs, Hironaka pointed out that the U.S. focuses more on Warfighting techniques, while Japan focuses more on self-defense.

"Originally The JASDF and U.S. had very similar training systems, although in the past 60 years it has changed a few aspects," said Hironaka. "The U.S. Air Force is a war fighting force and I respect that,"

After a tour of the base and it's organizations Hironaka felt pleased with how well the base and the JASDF personnel have integrated and interacted.

"My trip was very successful," said Hironaka. "I observed our young lieutenants being energetic and enthusiastic because of the great interactions, which I appreciate."

Before leaving, Hironaka couldn't help but share his thoughts, gratitude and inspiring words.

"I would like to thank everyone at Columbus Air Force Base for their great hospitality," said Hironaka. "Always shoot for professionalism, and keep up your wingman spirits, it is very important for us."