Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Omura Air Base held it’s annual air show May 21, 2017. The event featured aerial demonstrations by local air rescue and anti-submarine warfare squadrons as well as static displays and marching bands. JMSDF Omura’s aircraft are anti-submarine and search-and-rescue helicopters so there were no fighters or anything aggressive in nature, which I think reflects perfectly on JMSDF’s air mission.
It’s been a long time since I went to a military airfield’s air show, and even though its not as big as Miramar or Oceana’s it was still fun to see what the JMSDF has to offer.
A Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk flies over the crowd and a Shin Meiwa US-1A flying boat. Two of JMSDF’s primary air missions are search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare, which are performed by these aircraft.
Shin Meiwa US-1A flying boat
A trio of Seahawk tails from local UH-60 and SH-60 helicopters
Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk
This year is Omura’s 75 anniversary as a city, it looks like every year they decorate one helicopter for the air show’s static displays.
Mitsubishi UH-60J Seahawk
A Fuji T-5 trainer flew in mid-day. One of the best parts about going to air shows in different countries is getting to see indigenous aircraft on display and in flight.
Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk
Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk
Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk
Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk
A Mitsubishi UH-60J Seahawk of Air Rescue Helicopter Squadron 72 ‘Sky Larks’ demonstrates how they use rapelling in search-and-rescue operations.
Leonardo Finmeccanica MCH-101
Sea Egrets drill team
Sea Egrets drill team
The Sea Egrets surprised us with a volley of fire from their rifles right after this shot!
Japan loves cute things and their self-defense force is no different. I think this is a local Omura mascot character because I can barely make out ‘Omura’ on her name tag.
There was a raffle to see who’d win a helo flight and these ladies did the number calling. I think they’re the Omura flower ambassadors. (And not self-defense force members, despite the uniforms) Because they love flowers here.