U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan observes Japanese Airborne Operations

By Capt. Jino I Caro (Pacific Regional Medical Command)April 20, 2015

Training at Mt. Fuji
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JGSDF General Staff and MEDDAC-J Observes Airborne Training
2 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Kimihito Iwamura (seated), 1st Airborne Brigade Commander, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), observes Airborne Operations along with U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan (MEDDAC-J) Soldiers, near Mt. Fuji, Japan, on April 1... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Japanese Paratrooper readies to land
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Paratroopers land with Mt. Fuji in the background
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JGSDF Soldiers march off the drop zone after Airborne Operations
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MEDDAC-J Soldiers enjoy lunch with Japanese counterparts
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Staff Sgt. Muramoto inspects a X-ray Machine
7 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Frank Muramoto, Health Care Specialist (68W), U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan (MEDDAC-J), inspects a X-Ray machine, on April 16, 2015, within the Japanese Mobile Health Units used during Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSD... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mobile Health Units
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MT. FUJI, JAPAN--U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan (MEDDAC-J) observed the training of Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), on April 16, 2015, to strengthen nascent relations and foster a deeper commitment of mutual support and agreement.

Members from MEDDAC-J observed Airborne Operations with the Central Readiness Force (CRF) Surgeon, Col. Taisuke Yamamoto and Japanese Eastern Army's 1st Airborne Brigade Commander Maj. Gen. Kimihito Imawura.

MEDDAC-J traveled to Mt. Fuji and observed four chalks jump from elevations of 330 meters, out of CH-47 (Chinook) rotary wing aircraft. "JGSDF Airborne Soldiers demonstrated precise technique while conducting these jumps at Mt. Fuji; it was impressive," praised Staff Sgt. Frank Muramoto, Health Care Specialist (68W), MEDDAC-J.

After the Airborne exercise, MEDDAC-J Soldiers visited Camp Fuji Hospital to learn about their mobile health platforms situated in cargo containers that function as Operating Rooms, Patient Preparation Rooms, X-rays units, and Laboratories. Their modular containers allow for rapid deployment of medical assets during emergencies.

"These engagements give the Command Team and MEDDAC-J Soldiers the opportunity to engage and foster deeper relationships," said Col. Thirsa Martinez, Commander, MEDDAC-J. "Deeper relationships will lead to more training opportunities that will allow MEDDAC-J and the JGSDF to work seamlessly in the event of a disaster or emergency."