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, May 20, 2022.

The demonstration is part of the base’s training operations exercising the 354th FW ability to rapidly generate and launch the wing’s F-35A Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The event provided the opportunity for Airmen to hone high-end readiness capabilities.

“Since our capability demonstration in March 2022, we received our last F-35s and completed our fleet,” said Col. David Berkland, 354th FW commander. “The 354th FW has the iron and we’re ready to project airpower anytime, anywhere.”

Eielson’s location in Alaska makes it an ideal place to launch airpower capable of reaching anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere in one fighter sortie.

“Our location is a big asset,” said Berkland. “We’re able to provide world-class training because of our proximity to the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, and we can support the projection of all kinds of aircraft, including our permanently-stationed F-35s and other strategic airpower, all over the world. We are ready to answer the call.”

Following the capabilities demonstration, the pilots conducted local training sorties in the JPARC. The 354th FW 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.