KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 21, 2022) – Members of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 hosted their counterparts from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 during Raijin 22-2, as part of an annual unit exchange, Sept. 21-22.
Raijin 22-2, named for the Japanese god of lightning, thunder, and storms, consisted of a gift and brief exchange, group discussions, static displays, and rider embark flight.
"VQ-1 and VQ-81 have a long history of cooperation and mission success and I am incredibly honored to continue this unique and valuable partnership,” said Cmdr. Nick Bullard, VQ-1 commanding officer. “This opportunity to learn and train together face-to-face is invaluable and more important than ever."
VQ-1 and VQ-81 continue a history of cooperation that spans almost three decades. Bilateral exchanges improve tactical skills and the interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy.
VQ-1 is part of Commander, Task Force 72. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the “World Watchers” are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.