EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Members of the 354th Fighter Wing (FW) participated in a capabilities demonstration during a routine readiness exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 25, 2022.

The demonstration is part of the base’s training operations exercising how the 354th FW is able to rapidly generate and launch 42 of the wing’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The event provided the opportunity for Airmen to hone readiness capabilities in response to potential real-world contingencies.

“Since our last capability demonstration in December 2020, we have learned a lot about generating F-35s in an arctic environment,” said Col. David Berkland, 354th Fighter Wing commander. “The 354th FW and Team Eielson stand ready to deliver fifth-generation airpower anytime, anywhere.”

Eielson’s location within the arctic provides an ideal environment for Airmen to conduct large-scale training in extreme cold weather environments to continue to train and enhance readiness.

“Our Airmen from throughout the wing, not just on the flight line, made this exercise a success,” said Berkland. “Whether they support, defend or deliver airpower, the hard work of our entire team of Airmen enabled us to stand up two fifth-generation fighter squadrons here at Eielson.”

Following the capabilities demonstration, the pilots conducted local training sorties in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The 354th Fighter Wing is the world’s premier fifth-generation fighter wing—ready to compete, deter and win the high-end fight with a diverse, ready and innovative force.