U.S. masses planes at Japan base to show foes and allies it can handle coronavirus

Reuters ^ | 05/21/2020 | Tim Kelly

[EBH]

TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Air Force transport aircraft on Thursday massed at Washington’s key Asian military air transportation hub, Yokota Air Base in Japan, to show potential foes and allies it was ready for action despite the coronavirus emergency.

“It shows both our adversaries as well as our allies in Japan the importance of our placement, the importance of our ability to execute our mission,” base Vice Commander, Colonel Jason Mills, said.

U.S. forces are stationed in Japan to defend Washington’s key Asian ally from attack from North Korea, but also to check China’s growing influence in the wider region, including Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

As Washington tries to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, some officials worry outbreaks in the military may provide fodder for Beijing to question U.S. strength in the region.

[C210N]

Liberals gonna have a fit if these planes are not 6' apart.

... and wearing a mask.

[KeyLargo]

Transport planes? Where are the Bombers?

[Wuli]

a very expensive demo

don’t think any of our enemies of allies did not think we could do it

[Kirkwood]

We learned nothing from Pearl Harbor about distancing?

[bert]

Guam

[Don W]

I flipping LOVE the B-1. They should have a competition to build a more modern version with supercruise ability and a larger bomb bay.

Oh, restarting the F-22 line should be looked into first, though...