ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- What was previously a quarterly bilateral exercise held at Misawa Air Base, members of the 35th Fighter Wing are now currently in the midst of exercise COPE NORTH 2018 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. This two-week exercise is designed to enhance multilateral air operations between the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

The 14th Fighter Squadron joins 20 other flying units in this exercise, which is focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training. This exercise also consists of aerial and force employment events designed to increase readiness among allied nations. After every aerial employment of the Misawa’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, Airmen from the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit ensure the aircraft are in prime condition for the next round of sorties, examining them for any potential hazards and protecting them from the elements.

Exercise COPE NORTH started Feb. 14 and will conclude Mar. 2.