Focus
Japanese-American Friendship Day Article by LTJG Chris Krueger, USN Photos by AE2 Steven Khor, USN
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n January 23, 2009, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) squadron VX51 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) FIVE ONE conducted another HSL-51/VX-51 Japanese-American Friendship Day on board NAF Atsugi. The two squadrons meet two to three times a year to foster ties of friendship between the two countries’ helicopter squadrons. Each squadron alternates hosting the event, and the Warlords of HSL-51 were honored to host the Mighties of VX-51. The festivities began with opening remarks and a welcome by the HSL-51 Commanding Officer, CDR S. D. McKone, and VX-51’s Rotary Division Executive Officer, CDR K. Nishida, in the Warlord ready room. Both wardrooms proceeded into the Warlord hangar and flight line, where the Japanese pilots were given guided tours of HSL-51’s SH-60B
Pilots from both navies learned much about the other’s avionics systems and capabilities, leading to a larger understanding of the role of both squadrons here at NAF Atsugi. Both squadrons’ aircraft have similar missions such as AntiSubmarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW), however, HSL-51 is a deployable fleet squadron, whereas VX51 is the JMSDF’s operational test and evaluation squadron and the maritime patrol and rotary wing test pilot school house. Additionally, VX-51, known as 51 Kokutai of the Chokkatsu Butai air wing, is divided into two divisions; the 511 Hikotai Peacocks, flying the P-3C, and the 513 Hikotai Mighties, flying the SH-60J, SH-60K, and the HSS2B. Following the guided aircraft tours, officers of both squadrons came together to take a joint photograph in front of the Warlord showbird, Warlord 700, and a Japanese SH60K before proceeding to the Warlord ready room for a series of briefs. First up was a brief from VX-51’s CDR Nishida outlining the details of their squadron’s organization, operations and the capabilities of the SH-60K. The second brief, conducted by LT Scott French from HSL-51, familiarized the Japanese Continued on page 44
VX-51 and HSL-51 wardrooms, with SH-60K and SH-60B in background. aircraft, and the American pilots were given tours of the VX51’s SH-60K helicopter. The SH-60K is an upgraded variant of the SH-60J, also flown by VX-51, which is a licensed hybrid of Sikorsky’s SH-60B/F. The SH-60K is a relatively new airframe, first produced and delivered in June 2002, where the SH-60B was first flown in February 1983. While both aircraft essentially look the same, the two aircraft have many differences, such as the SH-60K’s automated ship landing system, dipping SONAR and glass cockpit.
Rotor Review # 104 Winter ‘09
VX-51 and HSL-51 personnel shake hands after an intense volleyball game. 42