IWAKUNI MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, Japan — Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 128, a unit of about 200 personnel and five EA-6B Prowler aircraft, joined forces with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force last week in the Cope North exercise on Guam.
The two-week training also includes elements of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 12, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Air Control Group 18 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224.
“This will be our first chance to work directly with another country’s military,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Curley of Squadron 128. “This will also allow us to be able to work with [Marine Fighter Attack Squadron] 224 and be a part of the Maine Aircraft Group 12 team in this theater of operations.”
Cope North is designed to enhance air operations of both countries in the joint defense of Japan.
This year, pilots from both countries are conducting air-to-air and electronic combat training.
The training pits U.S. pilots against their Japanese counterparts in scenarios in which one side tries to defend airspace while the other attempts to penetrate it.
