Combat controllers, JASDF work together to open airfield Published March 17, 2011 By Senior Airman Joshua Rosales AFN Tokyo MATSUSHIMA AIR BASE, Japan -- A team of combat controllers from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron from Kadena Air Base joined forces with airmen from the Japan Air Self Defense Force here March 16 to reopen the airfield to support relief operations. JASDF airmen worked around the clock for the previous two days to clear the runway so the base could reopen to support relief efforts. After coordination with the Japanese officials and a runway assessment, the team set up communication equipment to begin air traffic control operations. Shortly after declaring the runway safe for flight ops, the first plane landed carrying three pallets of much-needed water.