USAF 353rd SOW Hosts JASDF PJs CV-22 Osprey Familiarization Tour

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing hosted Japan Air Self-Defense Force pararescue jumpers assigned to the Komatsu Air Rescue Squadron for a CV-22 Osprey familiarization tour at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 13.

The purpose of the visit was for JASDF members to enhance their mission understanding of the CV-22 while both forces reinforced the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance through direct engagement. The JASDF KARS conducts airborne search and rescue operations using the UH-60J Black Hawk to support mission-critical recovery efforts.

The 353rd SOW mission involves conducting day or night, all-weather, low-level penetration of denied territory to provide infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, or fire support for elite air, ground, and naval forces, utilizing the unique capabilities of the CV-22 Osprey.