U.S. and Japan Army medical staff unite at Yama Sakura 75

By Sgt. Erica EarlDecember 13, 2018

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan-- America's First Corps Surgeon, Col. Robert Forsten, D.O., and Northern Army Headquarters Surgeon, Col. Mikio Takeshima, M.D., signed a medical support agreement during Yama Sakura 75 at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Dec. 10, 2018, to highlight the importance of the two Armies working together in the bilateral exercise.

The agreement allows mutual medical support between the forces as needed, including patient evacuation, casualty treatment and patient logistics, during the course of the exercise.

During Yama Sakura, Soldiers from I Corps are partnering with the Japan Northern Army to increase the readiness and capability of both forces to work together in all fields of the military, including medical.

The exercise simulates the U.S. Army deploying to aid in the defense of Japan.