Photo By Sgt. Alex Fairchild | The French maritime surveillance aircraft, Falcon F200, also known as "Gardian,"...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- United Nations Command-Rear representatives and members of the French Navy visited Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to observe the takeoff and landing of the French maritime surveillance aircraft, the Falcon F200. The departure and arrival of the aircraft shows the continuation of the partnership and alliance between the UNC-R and Japan. MCAS Futenma is one of the seven UNC-R bases in Japan.
Representatives of the French Embassy, UNC-R, and members of the French Navy first gathered on the MCAS Futenma runway to showcase and observe the takeoff of the Falcon F200, also known as “Gardian.” After properly ensuring the aircraft was fueled and ready to fly, the party boarded the vessel and took off.
“She’s a bit of an old lady, about 40 years old today,” said French Navy Lt. Cmdr. Guillaume, the executive officer of the 25th Squadron, based out of French Polynesia. “The F200 is a versatile aircraft that can be used for medical transport, surveillance, and other military operations. It has mainly been used in French Polynesia, specifically Tahiti, and New Caledonia.”
A small number of personnel, who were eventually named the UNC-R, were left behind after the UNC relocated from Tokyo to Seoul in 1957 to maintain the UNC agreement with Japan. Additionally, France is one of five permanent members on the United Nations Security Council since the founding of the United Nations on Oct. 24, 1945, and is one of the current signatories of the UNC-R agreement with Japan.
Current signatories exercise this partnership by regularly sending ships, aircraft, and personnel to UN bases in Japan, similar to the take-off and landing of the “Gardian.” While several nations maintain this agreement routinely, Guillaume explained the party conducted a post-flight brief regarding the capabilities that the aircraft has to offer to the UNC-R.
In addition to providing runway space and fueling assistance, MCAS Futenma administratively accommodated the party and provided lodging assistance. A number of the personnel were first-time visitors to Okinawa and were able to experience what MCAS Futenma and the island have to offer.
“It was an honor to be here, and we really enjoyed our stay on MCAS Futenma,” said Guillaume. “We had wonderful and efficient logistical and operational support. The accommodations provided by MCAS Futenma were fantastic in every way possible.”
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2021 19:19 |
| Story ID: | 408946 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 210 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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