Keen Sword 17

HH-60 Pave Hawks from 33rd Rescue Squadron, 943rd Rescue Group and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, fly in formation behind an MC-130J from the 17th Special Operations Squadron during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The U.S.-Japan mutual security treaty is a symbol of the U.S. commitment to Japan and the region and allows the U.S. to provide forward-based forces that can rapidly react to counter aggression against Japan and other allies and partners. . (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

Senior Airman Timothy Manzer and Staff Sgt. Korey King, 17th Special Operations Squadron loadmasters, look out over the ocean after refueling HH-60 Pave Hawks from 33rd Rescue Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. For more than 50 years, the U.S.-Japan Alliance has been the foundation of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the cornerstone of U.S. engagement in the region. In 1960, Japan and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The alliance plays an indispensable role in ensuring the security and prosperity of the United States and Japan, as well as regional peace and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

An HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 33rd Rescue Squadron refuels behind an MC-130J from the 17th Special Operations during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The fundamental role of U.S. forces in Japan is to deter aggression and maintain peace and security in the region, and is an essential component of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

An HH-60 Pave Hawk from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force refuels behind an MC-130J from the 17th Special Operations during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The year 2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. We believe the current state of the U.S.-Japan relationship highlights the power and the possibility of reconciliation between former adversaries. The U.S.-Japan relationship has changed a lot over the past 71 years, and it’s arrived at a point of a close alliance in which we cooperate regionally and globally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

HH-60 Pave Hawks from 33rd Rescue Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, fly in formation behind an MC-130J from the 17th Special Operations Squadron preparing to be refueled during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The U.S.-Japan Alliance encompasses counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, capacity building, ballistic missile defense, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and equipment and technology enhancement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

HH-60 Pave Hawks from 33rd Rescue Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, fly in formation behind an MC-130J from the 17th Special Operations Squadron preparing to be refueled during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong and productive through both countries’ shared commitment to a full range of military capabilities. Not only do we share common values and common concerns, we face common threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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Keen Sword 17

Staff Sgt. Korey King, 17th Special Operations Squadron loadmaster, looks out the window of an MC-130J during exercise Keen Sword 17, Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. The Indo-Asia-Pacific region holds the majority of the world’s people and trade, and the Japan-U.S. alliance is the bedrock of peace, security and prosperity in this region. Exercises like Keen Sword are a decisive demonstration of the strength of the friendship between our people. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel/released)

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U.S., Japan focus on HAAR during Keen Sword 17

Published Nov. 9, 2016
By Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel
353rd Special Operations Group

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --