2018 Alliance Coordination Mechanism

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Teams from the Southwestern Air Defense Force and the 18th Wing held Alliance Coordination Mechanism based talks Sept. 24 through 28, 2018, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Members from both countries divided into small, discussion-oriented groups to further integrate between existing allied defenses with a focus on the continued development of standard operating procedures. The working groups covered topics ranging from maintenance and logistics to medical practices and civil engineering.

“[We] are expecting the talks would lead to strengthening Japan-US mutual understanding and relations of trust,” said Lt. Gen. Hiroshi Kaminotani, SWADF commander.

The annual talks play a critical role in developing relationships and a mutual understanding of capabilities between DoD members and those of our Japanese partners.

“These working group discussions provide great opportunities for open exchanges of information with our Japan Self-Defense Force Allies,” said Brig. Gen. Case Cunningham, 18th Wing commander. “Strengthening our interoperability greatly contributes to ensuring the stability and security of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”