Defense Minister Taro Kono visits ADC, HQ USFJ at Yokota AB

United States Forces Japan Office of Public Affairs provides the following readout from today’s office call at U.S Forces Japan Headquarters between Defense Minister Taro Kono and Commander of U.S. Forces Japan, Lieutenant General Kevin Schneider: Defense Minister Kono today met with Lt. Gen. Schneider following his visit to the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s Air Defense Command, also at Yokota Air Base. The Commander welcomed the Defense Minister to the Headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral issues. During the discussion, Schneider highlighted the continued importance of training and readiness in order to maintain credible deterrence. He thanked the Minister for his commitment to ensuring U.S. forces can effectively sustain their combat capabilities. Schneider also detailed the thorough measures USFJ is enforcing to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while continuing to maintain operational readiness across the region. He thanked the Government of Japan for its close cooperation in this effort. Schneider expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s ongoing commitment to bilateral exercises and training, highlighting the importance of interoperability between USFJ and JSDF. Schneider concluded