ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Altus Air Force Base has played a key role in training the Japanese military since the beginning of the U.S.-Japan alliance in 1952. Today the 97th Air Mobility Wing continues to strengthen this partnership by training Japanese Air Self-Defense Force pilots and boom operators on the KC-46 Pegasus, enhancing joint defense capabilities and furthering Japan’s air mobility advancements.
In 2021, the 97th AMW welcomed 12 JASDF students for initial KC-46 training, marking the first partner nation to train at Altus Air Force Base on the aircraft. Since then, the students have returned quarterly for two-day refresher courses.
“It’s important for Japan and the U.S. to continue this relationship,” said JASDF Maj. Yohei Uramoto, 405th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46 pilot. “The KC-46 has many features I’m familiar with, but also many that are new to me. It's a great opportunity to learn from the instructors here, especially given their combat experience.”
To qualify for training with the U.S. military, Japanese students undergo rigorous testing, including English language proficiency assessments.
“With the support of my fellow students and instructors,” said Uramoto. “I was able to succeed in my initial training and continue to refine my skills in the KC-46 simulator during the refresher courses.”
Nicola Borghini, Flight Safety International KC-46 lead pilot instructor and Italian native, shared his perspective on the challenges international students face.
“I retired as a colonel in the Italian Air Force. I understand the struggles that international students face because I went through similar challenges early in my career when I came to the U.S. to train on aircraft I was unfamiliar with,” said Borghini. “Helping students like Uramoto grow in their skills is incredibly rewarding. It’s fulfilling to see them return to Japan with specialized knowledge that very few people have, and it’s a testament to the value of our joint training at Altus AFB.”
The training that Uramoto participated in was not Altus AFB’s first joint training with international allies, nor will it be the last. Joint training plays a key role in global military operations, and Altus AFB continues to train exceptional mobility Airmen from over 20 partner nations around the world.