Yama Sakura (YS) is an annual, bilateral exercise with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the U.S. Military. Yama Sakura 67 is a U.S. Army Pacific simulation-driven, joint, bilateral command post exercise between U.S. Army I Corps and JGSDF Eastern Army as the player units. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japan’s combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of friends and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Airmen assigned to the 1st Air Operations Group participated in exercise Yama Sakura 87 in locations spanning the Indo-Pacific including Alaska, Japan and Hawaii, from Dec. 1-14, 2024.