THE AIR forces of Japan and the Philippines, two countries vulnerable to natural calamities, concluded on July 8 a four-day bilateral training on emergency and disaster relief operations at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga. During the training, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) deployed a training unit of a Lockheed C-130H cargo aircraft. Only ground training exercises were held as inflight exercises were canceled following the Philippine Air Force C-130H plane crash in Sulu on July 4. “As a strategic partner and friend of the Philippines, we are very much satisfied that our bilateral training contributes greatly to further strengthen the cooperation between our two Air Forces.” Major Mizuno Masaki, JASDF unit commander, said.