Japanese Air Force One Blue Impulse returns to Matsushima Air

No. 40
MAY. 2013
TOPICS
Blue Impulse returns to
Matsushima Air Base
SPECIAL FEATURE
Japanese Air Force One
Japan–Poland Defense Ministerial Meeting
Meeting with then Deputy Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Graduation ceremony of the National Defense Academy
Central Readiness Force headquarters relocates to Zama
Submission of Request for Approval of Public Water Reclamation
Concerning Construction of Futenma Replacement Facility
Completion of the development of fixed-wing patrol aircraft P-1 and
assignment to MSDF Atsugi Air Base
East Asian Strategic Review 2013
Return of land areas south of Kadena
Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
Introduction to a Historical Building MSDF Maizuru District Building No. 1
Returning ceremony of Blue Impulse at Matsushima Air Base
TOPICS
MEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERS
Japan–Poland Defense Ministerial Meeting
On March 15, Defense Minister Onodera met Minister for
National Defence Siemoniak of Poland, and exchanged views
on bilateral defense relations, among other matters.
Mr. Onodera started the meeting by welcoming the first
visit to Japan by Polish National Defence Minister, and
expressed his appreciation for Poland’s support in the wake of
the Great East Japan Earthquake. Mr. Siemoniak stated that
the two countries share common values, including human
rights and democracy, and expected that his visit to Japan
would further promote their bilateral defense exchanges.
Both sides exchanged their views regarding their respective
regional situations, and concurred that the two countries will
continue to closely monitor the situations and exchange views.
Mr. Onodera expressed his pleasure at the realization of
the first defense ministerial meeting between the two
countries, and proposed to hold military to military consultations between the defense authorities, in order to discuss
such topics as the regional situations and bilateral defense
exchanges. The two sides concurred to continue to hold
high-level exchanges and exchanges between defense units.
Visit to the MOD by National Defence Minister of Poland
Defense Minister Onodera and National Defence Minister of Poland
Meeting with then Deputy Defence Minister
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
On March 27, Defense Minister Onodera met then Deputy
Minister of Defence HRH Khaled bin Sultan of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia at the Ministry of Defense.
Mr. Onodera started the meeting by recalling the favorable
bilateral relations that the two countries have developed, in
particular, the economic relations. Mr. Onodera also
expressed his hope to further deepen bilateral relations in the
area of defense exchanges. Mr. Khaled expressed his admiration towards the Japanese people for responding with
discipline and overcoming the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Touching on the fact that bilateral defense cooperation and
exchanges have taken place particularly actively among their
navies, the two sides agreed to continue to pursue opportunities to build dialogue at the working level with regard to
promoting defense cooperation and exchanges.
Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on the
regional situations, including East Asia and the Middle East,
and concurred that they will continue to closely monitor the
situations and exchange views.
Graduation ceremony of the National Defense Academy
On March 17, a graduation ceremony was held at the
National Defense Academy in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa
Prefecture. The National Defense Academy is the only
academic institution of higher learning in Japan that educates
and trains cadets who will be officers of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces.
The graduation ceremony is traditionally held with the
attendance of the Defense Minister and the Prime Minister,
who is the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF. The Prime
Minister directly addresses the graduates regarding the
expected roles of SDF personnel, as they in the future will
become the core members of the SDF. At this year’s graduation ceremony, Prime Minister Abe addressed that graduates
must engage in training and missions in preparation for
emergencies.
Prime Minister Abe delivering an address
Defense Minister Onodera delivering an address
Central Readiness Force headquarters relocates to Zama
The Central Readiness Force (CRF) was newly organized in
March 2007 to respond to the diversification of SDF
missions. It centrally manages combat units, including the
1st Airborne Brigade and specialized units. Presently, the
CRF directs the units dispatched to South Sudan.
On March 26, 2013, the CRF headquarters and its affili-
ated units were relocated from Camp Asaka to Camp Zama.
Camp Zama is the site of the military headquarters of the
U.S. army in Japan. This relocation will strengthen the
Japan–U.S. partnerships by enabling closer communications
and information exchanges between the two countries more
than ever before.
Submission of Request for Approval of Public Water Reclamation
Concerning Construction of Futenma Replacement Facility
Exchanging views with then Deputy Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia
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Defense Minister Onodera and then Deputy
Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia
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On March 22, pursuant to the Act on Reclamation of
Publicly-owned Water Surface, the Okinawa Defense Bureau
submitted to the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture the
Request for Approval of Public Water Reclamation concerning the construction of the Futenma replacement facility.
This submission marks the start of the steps towards the
early realization of the relocation of Futenma Air Station to
Henoko in line with the 2006 Japan–U.S. agreement. The
U.S. Government commended that this is a key milestone
that comes after many years of hard work between the
United States and Japan.
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ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Return of land areas south of Kadena
On April 5, with attendance of Prime Minister Abe, Japan
and the U.S. jointly announced a consolidation plan that the
two countries have coordinated for the return of land areas
south of Kadena.
For each area the plan details conditions and sequence as
well as timelines for return, as part of the realignment of
U.S. forces to mitigate their impact on local communities in
Okinawa while maintaining deterrence. This was done
according to the three categories of returns confirmed in the
Completion of the development of fixed-wing patrol
aircraft P-1 and assignment to MSDF Atsugi Air Base
The MOD possesses fixed-wing patrol aircrafts, which are
used mainly for constant wide-area monitoring and patrolling
in the sea surrounding Japan. They carry out diverse missions,
including disaster deployment and search of vessels in distress.
The aircraft are assigned to five bases throughout Japan, such
as MSDF Atsugi Air Base in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Since FY2001, the MOD has been developing the next
generation fixed-wing patrol aircraft (P-1) in response to the
aging of the existing fixed-wing patrol aircraft P-3C, which
have been used since FY1981. On March 12, 2013, the
development of P-1 was finally completed following the
ground tests and test flights.
On March 29, two P-1 aircraft were assigned to MSDF Atsugi
Air Base. The location of the base allows for swift deployment
to sea areas in all directions from Japan for the execution of
various missions, including surveillance operations.
The P-1 has improved detection performance, flight
performance, data processing ability, attacking ability and
quietness compared to the P-3C. It is expected that the P-1 will
more effectively carry out the continuous operations of
information collection and surveillance of the sea areas of
Japan under peace time and other circumstances.
Return of land areas south of Kadena
East Asian Strategic Review 2013
On March 29, the National Institute for Defense Studies
(NIDS), a research and educational institution of the Ministry of Defense, released the East Asian Strategic Review
(EASR) 2013.
This year’s report marks the 17th publication since 1996.
Every year, the EASR analyzes the key security issues of the
previous year among the countries of East Asia. This year’s
report highlights the leadership transitions in East Asia, as
well as the security situation that has been severely aggravated in East Asia. The EASR is widely recognized as an
annual security report on East Asia and is cited by international research papers. It is also utilized as a textbook at
colleges, universities and graduate schools in Japan and
overseas.
The views presented in the EASR are solely those of NIDS
researchers and do not necessarily represent the official
position of the Ministry of Defense.
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Printed copies of the EASR in both Japanese and English
are available for purchase. The both editions are also available on the NIDS website.
[Contents of EASR 2013]
Chapters 1 and 2: Security issues with
regional/global significance
Security policies of India and Australia
Chapters 3-8: Overviews of
countries/sub-regions
Japan, Korean Peninsula, China,
Southeast Asia, Russia, and the United
States
Columns
China–ROK security cooperation,
“BeiDou” navigation satellite system,
U.S. Marine Corps operation concept, etc.
(http://www.nids.go.jp/publication/east-asian/j2013.html)
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Camp Foster
(Lower Plaza Housing area)
FY2024 or later 23ha
FY2022 or later 16ha
Camp Foster
(A portion of the warehouse area of the FE Compound, etc.)
Camp Foster
(A part of Kishaba Housing area)
FY2019 or later 10ha
Camp Kinser
(Remaining elements)
FY2024 or later 142ha
FY2024 or later 5ha
Camp Foster
(Industrial Corridor, etc.)
Camp Foster
(Additional elements)
FY2024 or later 62ha
αha *3
Camp Foster
(West Futenma Housing area)
Camp Kinser
(Area near Gate 5)
FY2014 or later 52ha
FY2014 or later 2ha
*1 The timelines and dates are best-case estimates for when specific
facilities and areas can be returned, following the completion of
necessary steps and procedures by the Japanese and U.S.
Governments. These timelines are subject to delay, depending on such
elements as progress of the GOJ’s efforts to prepare relocation sites on
Okinawa and progress of the USG’s efforts to relocate USMC forces to
locations outside of Japan. Furthermore, while the timelines and dates
inside parentheses cover areas for which a condition for return is the
relocation of USMC forces to outside of Japan, because plans for the
relocation to outside of Japan have not yet been determined, the
timeline and date do not take into account the time required to relocate
USMC forces to outside of Japan. Accordingly, the timing for the return
of these areas is subject to change depending on the progress of the
USMC relocation to outside of Japan.
Camp Kinser
(North access road)
MCAS Futenma
FY2022 or later 481ha
FY2013 or later 1ha
Camp Kinser
(Elements incl. the preponderance of the storage area)
Naha Port
FY2028 or later 56ha
*3 During the master planning process, a study will be conducted to
confirm whether additional returns might be possible.
A delivery ceremony was held in association with the completion of the
development of fixed-wing patrol aircraft P-1
Camp Lester
FY2025 or later 68ha
Army POL Depot
Kuwae Tank Farm No.1
*2 The size of the areas is a rough estimate and is subject to minor
adjustments based on the result of measurements, etc. to be conducted
in the future.
Fixed-wing patrol aircraft P-1
April 2012 Joint Statement of the Security Consultative
Committee (SCC) with regard to the six facilities and areas
south of Kadena Air Base, which were to be considered for
total or partial return under the May 2006 SCC document
entitled, “United States–Japan Roadmap for Realignment
Implementation.”
The plan sets forth a specific roadmap for the return of
sizable lands (approx. 1,048ha) in densely populated areas.
FY2025 or later 129ha
Legend
: Eligible for immediate return (65ha)
: Eligible for return after relocation of functions within Okinawa (841ha)
: Eligible for return after relocation to outside of Japan (142ha + α)
TOTAL : 10,48ha + α
Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia
and in the Gulf of Aden
Aerial activities of Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft off the
coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
Record of Mission (January–March 2013)
1. Number of flights: 54 flights (Accumulated total: 869 flights)
2. Flight hours: Approx. 435 hours (Accumulated total:
Approx. 6,740 hours)
3. Number of visually confirmed commercial ships: Approx.
4,710 ships (Accumulated total: 68,500 ships)
4. Number of times information was provided to Japanese
destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships:
Approx. 350 times (Accumulated total: Approx.
7,600 times)
Escort operations performed by Japanese MSDF units in
the same area
Record of Mission (January–March 2013)
1. Number of escort operations: 26 times (The 420th – the
445th escort operation)(The 397th – 404th escort operation under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)
2. Number of escorted vessels: 103 vessels (Accumulated
total of 2,912 escorted vessels since the start of operations
under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law; hereinafter the
same)
[Breakdown]
Japanese-registered ships: 0 (Accumulated total: 15)
Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies: 9
(Accumulated total: 550)
(Out of the 9 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board
1 ships [Out of the 550 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was
on board 36 ships])
Foreign ships other than above: 94 (Accumulated total: 2,347)
(Out of the 94 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on board 1
ship [Out of the 2,347 foreign ships, a Japanese citizen was on
board 14 ships])
*The above record does not include the 1st – 41st escort
operation performed as Maritime Security Activities.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
SPECIAL FEATURE
Q2. Could you provide details on the circumstances concerning
the introduction of the Japanese Air Force One?
A2. In light of Japan’s role in the international community,
and in order to contribute to the further advancement of
internationalization, the Japanese Government, following the
example of other countries, decided to introduce two Boeing
747-400 as government aircraft in 1987, mainly as means for
transporting the Prime Minister. In February 1991, the
preparatory office was established in the Prime Minister’s
Office (currently the Cabinet Office), and the first and the
second aircraft were received from the Boeing in September
and November of the same year, respectively.
Q3. Why are the Self-Defense Forces operating the aircraft?
Main Specifications
Crew
17~19 persons
Width
64.9m
Length
70.7m
Height
19.06m
Transportation Capacity
About 150 passengers
A3. After the acquisition of the aircrafts by the Prime
Minister’s Office (present Cabinet Office) in 1991, the
government aircraft review committee decided to shift the
planes’ ownership to the Defense Agency (present MOD)
from April 1, 1992. Since then, the MOD is maintaining and
managing these aircrafts.
Japanese Air Force One
Q1. Tell us about Japanese Air Force One.
A1. These are aircraft owned by the Ministry of Defense
(MOD) for use in the transport of VIPs such as the Emperor
and the Imperial Family as well as the Prime Minister when
visiting overseas. They are also used for the transport of
Japanese nationals in cases of emergency and as a means of
transportation in international peace cooperation activities.
The MOD currently owns two of them. These aircraft are a
variant of the Boeing 747, which is installed with winglets (i.e.,
small extensions) on the tips of the main wings, which contributes to a great improvement in aerodynamic performance.
When transporting VIPs such as VIPs, thorough measures
are taken to prevent negative effects on diplomatic schedules
due to contingencies such as the malfunction of the aircraft.
Such measures include another Air Force One traveling
together as a backup and Self-Defense personnel in charge of
maintenance accompanying the trip. The plane interior is
designed based on special specifications consisting of areas
such as an office/work area and conference room, enabling a
group of reporters to travel together and hold a press conference in the plane. Concerning the transport of Japanese
nationals, when an incident occurred in Algeria in January of
this year in which Japanese nationals were taken as hostages,
one of the government aircraft traveled between Algeria and
Japan in order to transport those who were affected by the
incident back home.
When the ownership was shifted, a provisional Special
Airlift Group was formed at Chitose Air Base and completed
servicing for basic operational preparation after spending
about one year conducting operational tests. Then in June
1993, the Special Airlift Group was formed and has been
operating the aircrafts as its duty.
Q4. Could you provide details on the Special Airlift Group?
A4. The Special Airlift Group belongs to the Air Support
Command in the Air Self-Defense Force, and consists of
three organizations: the headquarters, 701st Squadron and
maintenance unit. Its duties include the transport of national
guests and others by government aircraft, and the provision
of education to train airlift staff (equivalent to cabin crew of
commercial airlines).
In addition, the Special Airlift Group takes part, as
necessary, in international peace cooperation activities, the
transport of Japanese nationals and others in cases of
emergency and international disaster relief operations. In
order to prepare for such unpredictable missions caused by
sudden changes in domestic as well as overseas situations,
all crew members of the government aircraft including pilots
consist of Air Self-Defense Force personnel.
Unit Organization
Minister of Defense
Air Support Command
Special Airlift Group
Air Headquarters
Aircraft Overview
701st Air Squadron
Secretary Cabin
This area is provided to chamberlains when the
aircraft is operated for the Imperial family and to
secretaries when operated for the Prime Minister.
Secretary
Cabin
Meeting Room
This room features a four-person table
used for in-flight meetings.
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Administrative Office
The office is equipped with printers,
facsimiles, copiers and other office
equipment as well as a satellite telephone.
Meeting
Room
Attache Cabin
Administrative
Office
This cabin is used for quasi-VIPs.
Attache
Cabin
Media Area
A press table is set up in the middle of the
passenger cabin, while a microphone system
is also available for use during press briefings.
Media
Area
Passenger Cabin
Passenger
Cabin
The passenger cabin is located at the back of the airplane. The
front half of the cabin is set aside mainly for aides of quasi-VIPs,
while the back of the cabin is for members of the media.
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Maintenance Squadron
Introduction to a historical building
MSDF Maizuru District Building No. 1
This building was built in 1930 in Maizuru City, Kyoto
Prefecture as the Maizuru Naval Academy headquarters. It is a
steel-framed brick structure.
The entrance porch features steel circular columns. The roof
panel is affixed with a simple cornice and ribbed engraving.
The entrance frame is comprised of ornamented, slightly thick
composite columns.
The overall design is simple and is in an Art Deco style.
Today, the building is used as the MSDF Maizuru District
Building No. 1.
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TOPICS
Blue Impulse
Returns to Matsushima Air Base
On March 31, a returning ceremony of the 11th Squadron
(Blue Impulse) at ASDF Matsushima Air Base, attended by
the Defense Minister Onodera.
The Blue Impulse squadron based at Matsushima Air Base
had moved to and trained at ASDF Ashiya Air Base in
Fukuoka Prefecture, after the Matsushima Air Base suffered
massive damages due to the Great East Japan Earthquake
tsunami, including the flooding of facilities and the sinking
of the aircraft.
Before the ceremony commenced, everyone in attendance
offered a silent prayer to express condolences to all victims
of the disaster and to pray for the repose of their souls.
At the ceremony, the head of the 11th Squadron declared
the return of the squadron to Mr. Onodera. He then delivered
an address to the returning personnel, expressing his gratitude for their efforts over the past two years who had to
leave Matsushima Air Base. He also expressed his appreciation to the local municipalities and to the many residents that
passionately requested the squadron’s return. To meet the
expectations of the local people and the people across Japan,
Mr. Onodera encouraged the personnel to unite under the
captain’s direction in engaging in daily trainings and showcasing the high-level skills that they acquired to people all
over Japan.
The MOD and SDF are sincerely pleased that the Blue
Impulse squadron has returned – what is also a symbolic event
that demonstrates Japan’s steady recovery from the disaster.
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Please visit our website at : http://www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/
For inquiry, contact following office:
Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL:+81-3-3268-3111 (switch board) Web: http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html
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