Two Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chinook CH-47

Two Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chinook CH-47 helicopters participate in a First Flight rehearsal with U.S. Army Aviation Battalion Japan over Tokyo Bay, Japan, Dec. 16. Three Black Hawk helicopter crews with the battalion participated in the flight. Pilots flew the helicopters to Tokyo Bay, where two Japanese Chinook CH-47 helicopters, a Super Puma helicopter and a Beechcraft C12 Huron airplane entered the formation. Together, they flew over Kisarazu Air Base, located across Tokyo Bay from Yokohama, and then the three Black Hawks flew next to Mount Fuji on their way back to Camp Zama. The First Flight symbolizes the beginning of aviation operations for the JGSDF 1st Helicopter Brigade, and JGSDF invited the battalion to participate to demonstrate their commitment to bilateral operations.