U.S. Bombers Conduct Training with ASDF Jets

Seoul, Sept. 13 (Jiji Press)--Two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers on Tuesday conducted training with Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets just before flying over the Korean Peninsula with South Korean aircraft in response to North Korea's nuclear test Friday. "These flights demonstrate the solidarity between South Korea, the United States and Japan to defend against North Korea's provocative and destabilizing actions," Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said in a statement. The training was designed to enhance the two countries' joint coping capabilities, the ASDF's Air Staff Office said. The flight drill was held over the southwestern Japanese region of Kyushu. The U.S. bombers and Japanese F-2 jets flew in formations and practiced combating. The U.S. bombers later conducted a low-level flight with South Korean military aircraft over the U.S. military's Osan Air Base south of Seoul. END