Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128 joined forces with Japan Air Self-Defense Force in this year's Cope North exercise in Guam last week.

The two-week excursion will pit both units as well as other elements of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 12, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Air Control Group 18 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 in a bilateral exercise designed to enhance air operation capabilities of both countries in the joint defense of Japan

The Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Security and Defense is the basis of Cope North, which has been ongoing since 1978. During this year's exercise pilots from both countries will conduct training in air combat tactics, electronic combat and airborne air control. The training will place U.S. pilots against their Japanese counterparts in real-life scenarios as one side tries to defend their airspace while the other side attempts to penetrate it.

This exercise will give the Marines and Sailors in the air, as well as those on the ground, opportunities to not only enhance their capabilities but also providing some unique training not available to them in Iwakuni.

"This will be our first chance to work directly with another country's military," said Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Curley, Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128, command master chief. "This will also allow us to be able to work with (Marine Fighter Attack Squadron) 224 and be a part of the Maine Aircraft Group 12 team in this theater of operations."

The Marines and Sailors from Iwakuni taking part in Cope North are excited to train with the Japanese forces and the unique challenges that will offer.

"This will give us an opportunity to explore another part of the world that we would not have otherwise seen," said Curley. VAQ-128 is currently deployed to Iwakuni from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.

Although many lessons learned will be in the sky, the pilots from both sides will be sitting down and discussing the day's transactions. One of the most important lessons learned for the JASDF, which the U.S. pilots are accustomed too is the deploying and redeploying of their service members.

While Cope North will be providing both countries with valuable training opportunities during their short stay, all business and no play would be a waste to a beautiful place such as Guam and some Sailors and Marines are planning accordingly.

"I am going scuba diving every day," said Staff Sgt. Nathan M. Guy, MAG-12 operations chief. "They have some good reef down there and I want to see as much as I can." [ANN Thanks MCAS Iwakuni's Cpl. Anthony D. Pike]

FMI: www.usmc.mil, www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/cope-north.htm