TOKYO — The U.S. and Japanese air forces will kick off exercise Cope North on Sunday at Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base.

The annual exercise, which runs through Feb. 25, is designed to enhance both countries’ air operations in defense of Japan, according to a 13th Air Force news release.

Base officials warned of possible increases in traffic and activity around the base due to the exercise.

U.S. Air Force units participating in Cope North include the 14th Fighter Squadron and 35th Fighter Wing from Misawa Air Base, Japan; 18th Aggressor Squadron 354th Fighter Wing and 353rd Combat Training Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska; 36th Airlift Squadron and 374 Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan; 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron and 18th Wing from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa; and the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and the 36th Wing from Andersen.

U.S. Navy participants’ include Strike Fighter Squadron 115 and Electronic Attack Squadron 136 from Naval Air Facility Atsugi. JASDF participants’ include the 8th Squadron and 601st Squadron from Misawa, and the 201st Squadron from Chitose Air Base.

From staff reports

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