Col. Shawn Smart, White Sands Test Center Command meets with Col. Futoru Tanaka of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces for a gift exchange

By ANNE MARIE CHADIMAJuly 28, 2022

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Col. Shawn Smart, WSMR test Center Command, (right) exchanges gifts with Col. Futoru Tanaka of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) (left). The JSDF is located on WSMR and conducts testing and training missions with the Chu-SAM air defense system on the range.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Chu-SAM family of defense systems are designed, built, and used by the Japanese to protect their country from air and missile threats. Chu-SAM testing has been part of WSMR test operations for years, as air defense systems like theirs need an extensive range area which is offered by the post. This is the first year since the COVID-19 outbreak that WSMR has been able to welcome, host, and support our allies with the JSDF.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL