374 AW, JASDF team up in support of Red Flag-Alaska

by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  -- More than 30 people filled the hangar checking and rechecking paperwork, ensuring each pallet was prepared for the weekend departure.

Members from the 374th Logistics Readiness and 730th Air Mobility Squadrons worked hand-in-hand with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts Aug. 1, 2013, to properly inspect and load JASDF cargo heading to Red Flag-Alaska.

"Anytime we have JASDF cargo we assist them with anything they need," said Master Sgt. Froilan Halili, 730 AMS special planning section chief. "Having extra hands around always gets the job done more efficiently."

In addition to increased efficiency, each nation's cargo professionals worked to improve their interoperability while providing valuable training for participating units.

"It's always great to work with the JASDF," said Tech Sgt. Rhommel Gabrintina, 730 AMS noncommissioned officer in charge of special planning. "Every time we work together, something new is always learned."

Gabrintina said the inspection had added importance as the cargo was headed for Alaska to be used in Red Flag, a multilateral aerial combat exercise designed to provide realistic combat training environments.

"We all take our job very seriously on any inspection we do," said Gabrintina. "Knowing we had to get this right the first time for the exercise, definitely added a little extra pressure and satisfaction."