JULY 3, 2025 – U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons partnered with Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron for exercise Cope Angel 25-1, June 23-27, at Kadena and Naha Air Bases.
Cope Angel is the 33rd RQS’s primary, annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise with Naha Air Rescue Squadron, designed to provide an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force and JASDF search and rescue assets to integrate, plan and train together.
“This exercise is a validation for everything the 18th Wing stands for,” said Capt. Gabriela Demarest, 33rd RQS HH-60G pilot and unit project officer for Cope Angel 25-1. “The entire basis of this exercise is to ensure that anyone taking off from Okinawa in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region will always have a ride home on their worst day.”
This year, the Naha Air Rescue Squadron strengthened its commitment to joint-force readiness by adopting U.S. Air Force tactics, techniques and procedures. Squadron members led multiple mission profiles to evaluate their capability to adapt and operate seamlessly alongside U.S. forces, enhancing bilateral interoperability.
At the same time, JASDF’s U-125A crews coordinated airspace, managed operational assets and executed the recovery of isolated personnel with support from the 33rd RQS. These actions highlighted growing alignment and a shared commitment to more effective combined operations.
“The more we train together, the more we can rely on each other when the time comes,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Tordoff, 18th Operations Group chief of standardization and evaluations. “Working with JASDF in scenarios like this builds the trust and familiarity we need to operate as one team.”
Cope Angel 25-1 demonstrated the growing strength of U.S. and Japanese search and rescue integration through realistic, high-stakes training.
Whether in peace or conflict, bilateral exercises help ensure both teams are ready to respond together when it matters most.
By Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
18th Wing Public Affairs