VQ-1 “World Watchers”, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Participate in Raijin 22-2

26 September 2022

From Petty Officer 1st Class Glenn Slaughter

Members of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 hosted their counterparts from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 during Raijin 22-2, as part of an annual unit exchange, Sept. 21-22.

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 21, 2022) – Members of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 pose for a group photo in front of a US Navy EP-3 during Raijin 22-2, an annual unit exchange. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the VQ-1 “World Watchers” are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Glenn Slaughter)

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 21, 2022) – Visiting members of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 greet Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 during Raijin 22-2, an annual unit exchange. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the VQ-1 “World Watchers” are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Glenn Slaughter)

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 21, 2022) – Cmdr. Nicholas Bullard, commanding officer of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 presents a gift to Capt. Sugahara Katsunori, commanding officer of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81, during Raijin 22-2, an annual unit exchange. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the VQ-1 “World Watchers” are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Glenn Slaughter)

Raijin 22-2, named for the Japanese god of lightning, thunder, and storms, consisted of a gift and brief exchange, group discussions, static displays, and rider embark flight.

"VQ-1 and VQ-81 have a long history of cooperation and mission success and I am incredibly honored to continue this unique and valuable partnership,” said Cmdr. Nick Bullard, VQ-1 commanding officer. “This opportunity to learn and train together face-to-face is invaluable and more important than ever."

VQ-1 and VQ-81 continue a history of cooperation that spans almost three decades. Bilateral exchanges improve tactical skills and the interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy.

VQ-1 is part of Commander, Task Force 72. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the “World Watchers” are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.