CAMP KISARAZU, Japan —
U.S. service members assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, conducted a bilateral engagement at Camp Kisarazu, Japan, Aug. 24-28, 2026, reinforcing the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Japan.
The five-day event centered on interoperability and collaborative capabilities. It consisted of briefings, discussions and working groups focused on air-to-ground integration and humanitarian assistance and disaster response in a joint environment. By synchronizing on these capabilities, U.S. special operations forces and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aim to ensure effective collaboration during both crisis response and sustained regional operations.
“This engagement is a critical step in building our partnership,” said Brig. Gen. Clay Freeman, AFSOC deputy commander. “By integrating our air-to-ground capabilities and aligning our disaster response frameworks today, we ensure that the U.S. and Japan can respond instantly and cohesively to any crisis in the Pacific. Upcoming international seminars will further solidify this foundation, turning shared concepts into enduring regional security.”
The engagement also served as the foundation for a Building Partner Aviation Capacity Seminar, which will be co-hosted in Japan at a later date. Together, these events will provide AFSOC and U.S. Special Operations Command with a unique platform to facilitate communication with key regional allies in the Pacific Command region.
Col. Matthew Taylor, 353rd Special Operations Wing deputy commander, was a senior mentor throughout the bilateral engagement. In this role, he guided and advised working groups through joint planning and problem-solving frameworks to address PACOM-specific challenges in communications, logistics, and command and control.
“Integration with our Japanese partners is both a tactical and a strategic imperative,” said Taylor. “This engagement allows the 353rd Special Operations Wing and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to move beyond broad concepts and focus directly on the mechanics of Air-to-Ground Integration. Our goal is to maximize interoperability during bi-lateral activities to support both nations’ security interests—now and into the future.”
Representatives from the JGSDF highlighted that the exchange successfully strengthened tactical coordination, paving the way for more integrated operations during future bilateral missions.
“This exchange event allowed us to enhance our mutual understanding and build a strong foundation of trust,” said Maj. Gen. Yoshichika Ito, 1st Helicopter Brigade commander. “Building on this momentum, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership and working together to contribute to regional stability and security.”
The collaboration in Japan supports ongoing cooperation within the U.S.-Japan alliance, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional security and mutual defense capabilities.
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
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