An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Nov. 30, 2020

Kadena Airmen Conduct Forward Area Refueling Point Training, Advancing ACE Abilities

By Airman 1st Class China M. Shock 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots teamed up with Kadena Air Base Airmen from the 1st Special Operation Squadron (SOS) to execute a forward area refueling point (FARP) exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 18.

“FARP allows us to refuel or re-arm an aircraft anywhere,” said Capt. Shamel Butler, the 1st SOS mission commander. “Doing this puts pilots closer to an objective, ensuring the mission can get accomplished further away from home.”

FARP is a rapid transfer of fuel from one aircraft to another, which in this case is an MC-130J Commando II and two F-16 Fighting Falcons; this concept allows fighter aircraft to land, refuel or re-arm before returning to air-battle operations within a short period of time in harsh territories.

“This training helps us prepare for real-world situations where in some cases we may have to land, refuel or re-arm and leave quickly,” Butler said.

To sustain readiness in adverse conditions, FARP training can take place anytime, day or night. When a fighter squadron has FARP support, choices are increased.

With FARP support, any accessible airfield or island can be used to refuel aircraft and get them back to the fight, which is why FARP plays a role in the U.S. military’s adaptive basing abilities to deliver airpower lethality more effectively and efficiently anywhere in the world.

“The ability to land in austere locations whether it be dirt strips or abandoned airfields and refuel any aircraft that can touch down to complete the mission is very exciting,” said Staff Sgt. John Choi, a 1st SOS instructor loadmaster.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Eighth Army Band Harmonizes Strength and Unity across South Korea
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Eighth Army Band conduct pass and review during the Eighth Army Change of Command Ceremony for Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson lll, (outgoing commander) and Lt. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, (incoming commander), at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, April 5, 2024. Change-of-Command ceremonies are a time honored tradition dating back to the start of the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Jorge Reyes Mariano)
Jan. 10, 2025 - Often the heart of community celebrations, the Eighth Army Band is the heartbeat of strong relationships throughout the Republic of Korea. The only U.S. Army band stationed in Asia, their packed year-round positive impacts...

1 ASOG participates in Yama Sakura 87
Jan. 10, 2025 - Airmen assigned to the 1st Air Operations Group participated in exercise Yama Sakura 87 in locations spanning the Indo-Pacific including Alaska, Japan and Hawaii, from Dec. 1-14, 2024...

A Commander-in-Chief's Final Journey Led by Military Tradition
Members of the public view the casket of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Jan. 5, 2025. This tradition allows the public to honor and reflect on the life and achievements of the nation's former leaders.
Jan. 9, 2025 - President Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th chief executive and the first U.S. Naval Academy graduate to serve in the Oval Office, began his final journey with a procession that intertwined the small-town rhythms of Plains, Ga...

Only School in DMZ Celebrates 56th Graduation Ceremony
Jan. 8, 2025 - Daesongdong Elementary School, the only school located within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), held its 56th graduation ceremony on Jan. 3, marking a milestone for four students who completed their elementary education...

Lithuanian Chief of Defense visits Hawaii
Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, marches alongside Lithuanian Chief of Defence Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras during an honors ceremony at USINDOPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2025. The visit aimed to enhance U.S.-Lithuanian communication and cooperation in combating regional threats. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)
Jan. 8, 2025 - Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosts Lithuanian Chief of Defence Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras at USINDOPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2025...