U.S., Japanese forces exercise rapid airfield damage repair during Keen Sword 27

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — During Exercise Keen Sword 27, U.S. Air Force Airmen, Japan Air Self-Defense Force airmen, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conducted bilateral rapid airfield damage repair training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24-27, 2026, strengthening their ability to restore critical infrastructure and sustain combat airpower during contingency operations.

U.S. and Japanese personnel worked together to assess simulated airfield damage, coordinate repairs and restore mission-essential airfield surfaces. Their combined efforts demonstrated how both forces can integrate personnel, equipment and procedures to support the recovery of flight operations, reinforcing the combat readiness and bilateral coordination essential to credible deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

“I think it's absolutely critical that we do it as perfectly as we can because that is what allows our aircraft to fly,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bryan Ache Villalobos, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator “Without our ability to repair an airfield, we can't accomplish the mission or get aircraft back in the air.”

Rapid airfield damage repair requires teams to assess damaged surfaces, identify hazards, clear debris and conduct repairs necessary to restore usable portions of an airfield.

Working alongside Japanese personnel during KS27 provided an opportunity to observe different approaches to airfield damage repair, particularly in the use of measuring tools, equipment and safety procedures, explained U.S. Air Force Airman Kai Garcia, 35th CES heavy equipment operator. He also highlighted the Japanese teams' attention to detail, including their use of measuring boards to mark damaged areas and whistle signals to communicate with equipment operators, offering practical techniques that could improve coordination during future repair operations.

Beyond the physical repairs, U.S. and Japanese personnel coordinated their procedures and combined their technical expertise to execute rapid airfield recovery operations. This cooperation reflects the U.S.-Japan Alliance's continued commitment to developing a more integrated, combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to contingencies.

According to U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jerry Willis, 35th CES F-35 program management office chief, U.S. and Japanese personnel first established a shared understanding of the repair process before assigning responsibilities. As training progressed, their roles became increasingly integrated, allowing both forces to transition more seamlessly between each phase of the repair.

Working alongside one another as a bilateral team also helped personnel build familiarity with their counterparts' capabilities, strengthening and sustaining the relationships necessary to coordinate effectively under realistic training conditions.

JASDF Staff Sgt. Louis Okanda, 3rd Air Wing civil engineer, described how iterative exercises alongside U.S. personnel help both sides not only exchange repair techniques, but also learn how to communicate effectively.

“The first year when I joined an exercise like this, our styles were different,” Okanda said. “Now we are thinking the same way to fix the airfield. So, I think our mind and our skill is better than it used to be.”

The bilateral training demonstrated how coordinated airfield recovery contributes to the alliance's broader defensive readiness. By strengthening their ability to operate together and preserve critical airfield capabilities, U.S. and Japanese forces reinforced their shared commitment to the defense of Japan and the maintenance of peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Keen Sword 27 is a routine, biennial bilateral field training exercise with multinational participation, designed to increase readiness and interoperability between the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces while strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

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