Japan Transport Aircraft Load Up On U.N. Mission

By Tech. Sgt. Chuck Marsh, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 8, 2006 – For the first time in its 52-year history, the Japan Air Self Defense Force began its first United Nations mission over the skies of Iraq Sept. 6. The first flight of the new mission landed safely at Baghdad International Airport before returning to its forward deployed location in Southwest Asia later that day.
The mission, transporting U.N. members and cargo for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, adds to Japan’s already established role of air transporting coalition troops and cargo.

While the JASDF C-130s will continue the majority of their flights in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the planes now have a dedicated mission solely for personnel and cargo on U.N. flights.

“Although the Japan Self Defense Force has experienced this kind of extended period in operations abroad, such as PKO (Peace Keeping Operations) in Cambodia, this is the first time the Air Self Defense Force has taken on a U.N. mission in Iraq ,” said Col. Shunji Izutsu, Japanese liaison officer to U.S. Central Command Air Forces.

“Not only does their taking this step mean a new page in Japanese history,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. William Holland, Deputy Combined Forces Air Component commander. “It also re-enforces Japan’s dedication to helping secure the future of Iraq and winning the global war on terror.”

Izutsu said that Japanese airlift operations in support of the war in Iraq, consisting of nearly one-quarter of Japan’s C-130 fleet, have been successful. They have not only transported Self Defense Force troops, but also continue to coordinate with the coalition on missions to safely transport other military and cargo.

“This is a very significant event,” Izutsu said. “I believe our partnership has also contributed to reinforcing the U.S.-Japan alliance.

“The first goals of UNAMI were such as giving advice for a general election and drafting the constitution of Iraq,” he continued. “With the government of Iraq established, UNAMI is trying to expand their activities to reconstruction, development and humanitarian support.”

The colonel said there have been no major problems with the addition of the U.N. mission and Japan is prepared to transport people and pallets as needed. He added that while preparation and ground support for United Nations are new issues, it is a good experience for the JASDF troops.

“Our Japanese coalition and United Nations partners have undertaken a great step for their Air Self Defense Force by performing the UNAMI missions,” said Holland. “They were asked by the United Nations to take on this role and, as a testament to their Air Self Defense Force, have transitioned seamlessly.”

The Japanese aircrew and support crews have been working in Iraq supporting the coalition with airlift since December 2003, so they have been flying missions and are familiar with transport missions in Iraq. The main difference now, Izutsu said, is the level of coordination for missions.

Japan is helping to secure the future of Iraq. They realize terrorism is a global war. Japan is participating in United Nations mission. They transported U.N. Members safely to Baghdad International Airport. They will be delivering cargo on U.N. flights. Japan’s C-130 have been successful in their airlift operations. This is the Air Self Defense Forces’ first mission to Iraqi. Col. Shunji Izutsu said that military-to-military coordination has resulted in successful missions. Japan is ready to help win the war on terror.