134th MSG strengthens joint readiness in Japan Published June 25, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Jesse Hanson 134th Mission Support Group OKINAWA, Japan -- OKINAWA, Japan - More than 120 Airmen from the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 134th Mission Support Group deployed to Okinawa for annual field training in June 2025, immersing themselves in a high-tempo, joint environment that included collaboration with U.S. Marines, active-duty Airmen and host nation forces. The two-week exercise placed Airmen from across several distinct career fields including civil engineering, communications, logistics and force support into daily operations across multiple installations. From live aircraft fire training with the U.S. Marines to food service operations at Kadena’s Marshall Dining Facility, the training gave Guardsmen critical exposure to real-world scenarios outside the standard drill weekend. “This training validates the Tennessee Air National Guard’s ability to integrate with our active-duty components and strengthens alliances across Indo-Pacific Command,” said U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. J. David Barrett, 134th Mission Support Group deputy commander. “This training gives our team a chance to operate side by side with active units and experience the pace and challenges of working in this theater.” For many, the experience offered a first glimpse into a fully integrated joint environment. U.S. Air National Guard Airman Lily Brennan, 134th Force Support Squadron, who joined the unit earlier this year, described the trip as both rewarding and eye-opening. “I was pretty nervous at first, but I got here and realized I know my team, and I’ve got great connections with everybody,” Brennan said. “We’ve had a blast and learned a lot from how active duty organizes their operations to readiness briefings and bed down procedures. It’s hard to pick one takeaway, but being with my team has been the constant highlight.” The theme of building camaraderie and readiness echoed throughout the event, to include firefighters from the 134th Civil Engineer Squadron who conducted joint live-burn training alongside Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “It’s important to know how they operate, what their tactics look like and how their equipment differs from ours,” said U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Matthew Gray, 134th CES assistant chief of training. “When you’ve trained together before, you know what to expect—and that trust matters when you go into a fire. At the end of the day, we’re fighting for the same goal: protecting aircraft and people.” Planning and executing the movement of more than 120 Airmen across the Pacific presented its own challenges, testing the wing’s logistical capabilities and resilience. “This was one of the largest troop movements we’ve ever attempted within the MSG,” Barrett said. “Coordinating airlift, securing host nation and installation support, it took immense effort and collaboration from the entire team, including our partners in maintenance and operations who got us here safely.” Despite day-to-day changes and real-time adjustments, Airmen on the ground remained flexible and mission-focused, often adapting training plans on the fly to meet evolving conditions. “Our officers and senior NCOs (non-commissioned officers) did an exceptional job making this a successful event,” said Barrett. “It’s about being intentional, deliberate and ensuring our training meets the mark.” As the trip concluded, Barrett emphasized appreciation for the 18th Wing and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma for their role in hosting the Guardsmen and allowing seamless integration into daily operations. “Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to execute this training,” Barrett said. “Their openness gave our Airmen an invaluable opportunity to operate in a dynamic joint setting and return home better prepared for whatever may come.”