In a remarkable display of cooperation and interoperability, aviation units from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) joined forces during the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23, held from October 14 to October 31, 2023.
Under the collaborative umbrella of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, the Western Army Aviation Group, and the 1st Helicopter Brigade, this exercise aimed to enhance the partnership between the two nations. A groundbreaking moment in the joint training involved Japanese AH-64 Apache attack helicopters providing attached escort for a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft as they operated in the Hijyudai Range of Northern Kyushu.
Maj. David Vanrooy, VMM-262 operations officer, highlighted the importance of this exercise, saying, “The bonds forged over years of joint training and exercises emphasized the ability of both U.S. and Japanese rotary aviation units to seamlessly integrate as a partner force. Beyond this, the bilateral maintenance actions conducted between the U.S. and Japanese Osprey squadrons while executing Resolute Dragon 23 improved joint operations and demonstrated the mutual benefits of our strategic partnership.”
This joint operation, in which VMM-262 and Western Army Aviation Group’s 1st Squadron, Combat Helicopter Battalion, participated, sends a powerful message about the commitment of the United States and Japan to advancing regional security. It underscores the increasing collaboration between the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force in combined operations.
It’s important to note that this exercise builds on previous cooperative efforts. In Exercise Iron Fist 23, held earlier in the year, VMM-262 (Reinforced) as the Aviation Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit collaborated with their Japanese counterparts to arrange attached escort by U.S. Marine Corps AH-1 attack helicopters to Japanese CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The success of this operation demonstrated the reciprocal relationship between the United States and Japan in building combined tactics, techniques, and procedures, and their commitment to ensuring regional security and stability.
Lt. Col. Adrian Evangelista, the commanding officer of VMM-262, stated, “Our collaboration with 1st Helicopter Brigade and Western Army Aviation Group in Resolute Dragon 23 is a testament to the progress we’ve made over the course of multiple exercises and extensive planning meetings. The attached escort of Japanese Apache helicopters is a monumental step forward, and I believe it sets the foundation for even deeper cooperation in the future.”
Joint missions like these enable both nations to refine their abilities to work together effectively, improve joint logistical support and maintenance, and enhance operational readiness throughout the region.
This joint exercise demonstrates the readiness and commitment of the U.S. and Japanese military forces to work together for the security and stability of the region. It reinforces the importance of joint training and collaboration among allied nations.
For more information, hit the Source below