US Air Force F-22 pilots from the deployed 94th Fighter Squadron teamed with their F-15 counterparts from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Naha AB, Japan, for bilateral training at Kadena AB, Japan, on 5 April 2013. The training, the fourth event of its kind since 2007, gives US and Japanese pilots the opportunity to integrate their respective aircraft in missions supporting the common defense of Japan and the Asia-Pacific Theater under the Mutual Security Treaty between the two nations. The bilateral training promotes mutual understanding and communication and leads to improved interoperability. The 94th FS deployed its F-22s from JB Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to Kadena at the beginning of 2013 and is slated to return home by mid-year.