Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, U.S. special operations forces co-host bilateral engagement to align capabilities
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Yoshichika Ito, commander, 1st Helicopter Brigade, left, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Clay Freeman, deputy commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, right, exchange plaques during a closing ceremony marking the conclusion of a bilateral engagement between the JGSDF and AFSOC at Camp Kisarazu, Japan, Aug. 26, 2026. The five-day event centered on interoperability and collaborative capabilities for air-to-ground integration and humanitarian assistance and disaster response in a combined environment. By synchronizing these capabilities, U.S. special operations and JGSDF forces aim to ensure effective collaboration during both crisis response and sustained regional operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Cullen Drenkhahn)