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◇米空軍ニュース「航空自衛隊は“イラクの戦闘地域”に配備する」
アメリカ「Air Force News」に「日本の航空自衛隊は創設以来はじめて、戦闘地域（a combat zone）に配備されて活動する（actively deployed）と明記されている。
☆Japanese military key member of coalition（Air Force Print News for June 28, 2006）
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123022510
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- For the first time since its formation in 1954,
members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a
combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and
reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
"I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am
proud to take part in this operation," said Col. Atsushi Nishino,
commander of the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing. "(Our
mission is crucial) because reconstruction and stabilizing Iraq is
important for global stability and peace, not only in the Middle East."
Their primary mission here is to provide airlift support to the Japan
Ground Self-Defense Forces in Samawah, Iraq. But with reconstruction
well under way in that area, the ground forces will start withdrawing in
July. However, officials with the JASDF Iraq Reconstruction Support
Airlift Wing plan to remain here and continue providing support as part
of the coalition.
"Doing this important mission (here) with troops who have the same goals
-- stabilizing and reconstructing Iraq -- is a wonderful thing," Colonel
Nishino said.
At home, the JASDF's mission is to preserve peace, stability and
independence for its nation. The role of forces here involves gaining
the support of the Iraqi people.
"The JASDF partnership is key to the coalition victory in the war on
terrorism," said Col. Timothy Hale, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
commander. "The support of their heroic humanitarian missions
demonstrates that the resolve to bring peace to this region is shared by
dozens of nations, each bringing unique skills to the battle for the
hearts of the Iraqi people."
The Japanese airlift wing includes about 200 troops on four-month
rotations. Since the first group arrived in December 2003, they have
flown more than 325 sorties and carried more than 460 tons of cargo.
"I feel working with coalition forces contributes to rising reliability
and understanding among (each other)," Colonel Nishino said.
The wing is also responsible for moving cargo for humanitarian support activities from their homeland, and transporting Multi-national Force Iraq members
and other servicemembers around the theater.
To perform this wide-ranging mission the JASDF relies on a group of
C-130s and Airmen with varied backgrounds and expertise. They include
civil engineers, flight engineers, maintenance officers and technicians,
medics, navigators, pilots, security forces and logisticians.
Being co-located in a deployed environment has given the JASDF and Air
Force quite a few opportunities to work together. The two units commonly
share equipment, swap information and participate in each other's
activities.
"I appreciate (the Air Force's) support," Colonel Nishino said of the
sharing of information, aircraft parts and services. "This support helps
us a lot with our safety and certain operational and welfare for my
troops."
And working side-by-side with the Air Force at a forward location for
the first time has also been an opportunity to build relationships for
some members of both armed services branches.
"It has been a phenomenal experience to renew friendships with warriors
from a nation I know well," Colonel Hale said. "As a commander at Yokota
Air Base, Japan, a number of years ago, I grew to love the people and
culture of Japan. It is a pleasure to work shoulder to shoulder to bring
peace to this region and demonstrate our long and lasting friendship and
camaraderie to the people of this area."
"I think (our deployment here) contributes to rising reliability of the
alliance between the U.S and Japan," Colonel Nishino said. "I think this
is a wonderful thing."
http://alcyone.seesaa.net/article/20002832.html
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