YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Emergencies and crises can happen at any time and place. The 320th Special Tactics Squadron stands ready with the skill sets to assist. Recently they tested their capabilities during the units’ fifth iteration of Exercise Viking Jet from 9-13 December 2024.
Viking Jet integrated conventional forces from the Pacific Air Forces' 374th Airlift Wing and 18th Wing, and the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, with Special Operations Forces from the 320th STS, 1st Special Operations Squadron, and other units from various commands in a multitude of training events to validate joint interoperability within the first island chain. Training events included Military Free Fall, alternate landing site operations, austere Command and Control, Personnel Recovery, Direct Action, and Forward Arming and Refueling of two 1st Marine Aircraft Wing F-35B Lightning II’s by MC-130J Commando II's. These activities demonstrated interoperability, providing a distinct advantage for the combined joint force.
“This training was designed to simulate realistic conditions to validate the unit’s ability to lead and execute a no-notice deployment of the joint force to an austere location with no host nation support. Furthermore, the unit was tasked to sustain and force project to conduct various operations from the austere site.” said the 320th Operations Officer.
U.S. Forces also worked to accomplish a series of training events highlighting mission capabilities and providing a venue for testing and experimentation.
“This kind of training gives us an advantage during a time of crisis, allowing us to test our skill sets and validate mission readiness to ensure we are postured to prevail in crisis or conflict.” added the 320th Operations Officer.
This iteration simulated real-world conditions within a controlled training environment, demonstrating Agile Combat Employment, rapid response, DA, PR, and other activities that enhance the combined joint forces’ readiness to prevail in conflict.
“This exercise was focused on a multitude of objectives. From demonstrating ACE through execution of force projection operations to deliberate joint and combined planning for personnel recovery, the team demonstrated the effectiveness of a light, rapid and agile force through tackling complex problems,” said the 320th STS Operation Chief.
From refueling fifth-generation aircraft to enhancing joint interoperability, Viking Jet 25-1 strengthened relations, provided mission partners with real time capability assessments, and equipped the joint force with the skills to act swiftly—any time, any place, anywhere.