New Zealand, US drop zone officers expand combined capabilities [Image 1 of 12]

OHAKEA, NEW ZEALAND

11.14.2013

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Denise Johnson 

Pacific Air Forces

United States Air Force Maj. Corey Akiyama clarifies an approach plan with Royal New Zealand Air Force Pilot Officer Emma Taylor and several other multinational partners en route to a designated drop zone for a multilateral air drop subject-matter-expert exchange Nov. 14 at the New Zealand Defence Force Raumai Drop Zone near Ohakea, New Zealand. Akiyama is certifying Taylor as a U.S. drop zone control officer during the multilateral RNZAF-sponsored tactical airlift exercise, Kiwi Flag, comprising of air assets from the U.S. Air Force, RNZAF, Royal Australian Air Force, Republic Of Singapore Armed Forces and French Armed Forces of New Caledonia. Taylor's certification will enhance interoperability and unified responses when New Zealand and the United States both respond to a combined effort. Taylor, an air warfare officer, is assigned to 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland. Akiyama is deployed as the 517th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron air mobility liaison officer. At home station, Akiyama is an AMLO for the 615th Contingency Operations Support Group at home station, Camp Henry, Korea. He hails from University Place, Wash. Kiwi Flag personnel are supporting Exercise Southern Katipo - held in New Zealand's South Island - by managing air operations and providing cargo and passenger airlift including tactical air drops to SK participants. SK hosts nine countries involved in air, land and maritime operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Denise Johnson/Released)

• Date Taken: 11.14.2013
• Date Posted: 11.21.2013 16:10
• Photo ID: 1057795
• VIRIN: 131114-F-FB147-701
• Resolution: 3216x2136
• Size: 967 KB
• Location: OHAKEA, NZ
• Hometown: COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US
• Hometown: ORLANDO, FLORIDA, US
• Hometown: UNIVERSITY PLACE, WASHINGTON, US