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REFORPAC, the U.S. Air Force’s largest contingency-response exercise in the Pacific, involved more than 12,000 service members and 400 aircraft across 50 locations spanning 3,000 miles. “This exercise pushed our Airmen to operate under pressure, think fast and adapt in real time,” said Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “Misawa isn’t just a base, it’s a launchpad of joint and allied air power. REFORPAC proved our readiness to not only assemble and project combat airpower when and where needed, but also to sustain that projection from multiple points throughout Japan.” At the start of the exercise, hundreds of temporary duty augmentees arrived at Misawa and quickly completed briefings on local procedures and contingency protocols, ensuring smooth integration into ongoing operations. From dispersed sites, F-16 Fighting Falcons took to the sky as Misawa personnel launched and recovered jets with precision, executed rapid-response missions under simulated threat conditions and maintained a relentless tempo. Behind the scenes, logistics and fueling teams orchestrated a nonstop flow of supplies and ammunition, moving pallets and equipment with clockwork efficiency. Traffic management and transient alert crews directed the movement of cargo on and off the flight line, turning aircraft around with lightning speed. “Every team leaned in and kept the pace,” Davidson said. “Our Airmen stepped up alongside our Japanese partners with total focus on the mission. That level of commitment is what drives real operational strength.” Driven by that focus, Airmen and mission partners sustained operations with discipline, speed and precision. Petroleum, oils and lubricants specialists from the U.S. and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force worked shoulder-to-shoulder, fueling jets with high-speed keeping aircraft fueled and ready for immediate action. Nearby, aeromedical crews ran trauma drills with their Japanese counterparts, honing vital lifesaving skills, treating simulated wounds and evacuating patients in rapid succession, where every second counts. Simultaneously, Airmen teamed up with JASDF engineers swiftly patched damaged runways under simulated attack, restored airfield operations, ensuring the mission readiness. The coordinated pace of action and adaptability, showcased the 35th FW’s adaptability to generate combat airpower, anywhere and anytime. “Training together builds the trust and teamwork we need to succeed,” Davidson said. “Working side by side with our Japanese partners helps us respond faster and smarter across an array of mission sets and makes us stronger as a team and region.” As REFORPAC winds down and visiting exercise participants return home, the 35th FW's mission continues onward, accelerating readiness and strengthening regional partnerships to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region.