Ironclad runways: U.S. and Japan reinforce ExR-ADR capabilities during KS27

IRUMA AIR BASE, Japan - U.S., Japan, and Canadian Armed Forces collaborated in expeditionary rapid airfield damage repair (ExR-ADR) training during Exercise Keen Sword 27 at a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) installation at Iruma Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22-26. This biennial and bilateral training demonstrated each country’s ability to integrate personnel, resources and capabilities to restore critical infrastructure and sustain air operations in an expeditionary environment. “This is the textbook definition of expeditionary rapid airfield damage repair,” said Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Detachment Atsugi Officer-in-Charge Senior Chief Equipment Operator Joseph Patrick. Prior to joint operations, U.S. and Japan forces independently demonstrated their procedures for ExR-ADR. This highlighted the similarities and differences in each nation’s approach, influencing how they ultimately came together to execute the mission most efficiently. Patrick pointed out that although the processes were nearly identical, one key difference was JSDF’s use of asphalt, which hardens more quickly than the quick-setting cement used by U.S. forces. By learning and observing these differences and similarities during routine exercises, both partners can adapt, overcome challenges and refine their procedures. The nations formed two multinational teams combining their equipment and expertise to complete multiple ExR-ADR scenarios despite unfavorable weather conditions and unanticipated schedule changes. “Yes, it is challenging changing on the fly but that is our whole point,” said NMCB 5 Det. Atsugi Assistant Officer-in-Charge Chief Construction Mechanic Justin Valdez, . “It’s to show we are adaptable and resilient when it comes to executing the mission anywhere in the world, more specifically with our host nation here in the first island chain.” U.S. participation consisted of Seabees from NMCB 5 Det Atsugi and Airmen from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, while engineers from JASDF and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force represented Japan. Canadian Armed Forces’ presence and participation contributed to the U.S., Japan and partner nation dedication to the defense of Japan and regional security. “Working alongside our allies and partners strengthens our relationships and our readiness to respond effectively to potential real-world contingencies,” said Patrick. The U.S.-Japan Alliance has served as the cornerstone of regional peace, security and prosperity for over seven decades and remains indispensable to our mutual security interests. “We are happy to be here working with them,” said Valdez. “Our detachment is very junior in rank and junior in service, so this is a great opportunity for them to be out here in mainland Japan and working with the Air Force, JASDF, JGSDF, and the Canadians.” Keen Sword is a routine, biennial bilateral field training exercise designed to increase readiness and interoperability between the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan Alliance. -30-

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