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F-35 Refueling Operations over the Pacific

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 26, 2025) — A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2025. Such operations demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the U.S.–Japan Alliance and the modernization required to deter evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

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U.S. Marines continue flight operations at Misawa Air Base

(Dec. 3, 2024) A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing lands in Misawa Air Base, Japan, during an Aviation Training Relocation exercise, Dec. 3, 2024. VMFA-312 is temporarily augmenting MAG-12, 1st MAW under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims to provide squadrons stationed in the continental United States with experience training in the Indo-Pacific. One of the ATR program’s primary focuses is to enable U.S. and Japanese militaries to maintain readiness and enhance cohesion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson)

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241128-M-JN598-1038

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing arrive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in preparation for the Aviation Training Relocation program, Nov. 28, 2024. VMFA-312 is temporarily augmenting MAG-12, 1st MAW under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims to provide squadrons stationed in the continental United States with experience training in the Indo-Pacific. One of the ATR Program's primary focus is to enable U.S. and Japanese militaries to maintain readiness and enhance cohesion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson)

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241028-F-IV293-1206

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tae Burgess, left, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Air Defense Company A/B Radar aviation radar technician crew chief, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Abbey, 752nd Operations Support Squadron Tactical Operations Center - Light Pathfinder team lead, erect a Rola Tube Antenna during exercise Keen Sword 25 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2024. The training allowed the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps the opportunity to conduct precise, multi-domain effects that demonstrated the strength and versatility of the joint force during KS25. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Bilateral Runway Repair Enhances Partnerships

Japan Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing personnel outline an area to excavate in order to repair damage during Rapid Airfield Damage Repair training at Draughon Range, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. U.S. and Japanese partners worked alongside each other repairing the craters while observers from both countries took notes on the difference in procedures.

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Wild Weasels ACE exercise at Misawa, Yokota

Sixteen U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcons, 12 Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, two JASDF E-2C Hawkeyes, one JASDF CH-47 Chinook, one U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler, one USN C-12 Huron, and one USN P-8 Poseidon perform a wing capabilites demonstration to culminate a week-long readiness exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 13, 2022. The large formation was part of a routine exercise scenerio that tested the 35th FIghter Wing's ability to generate airpower in support of the defense of Japan and other partner nations, ensuring the stability and security of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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Jet engine repair: It takes a village

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Ceja, 35th Maintenance Squadron (MXS) Accessories dock chief, works on an engine piece at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 15, 2022. The 35th MXS propulsion flight is able to fully disassemble eight jet engines at a time.

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USFJ, 5th Air Force Leadership Visits Misawa

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and 5th Air Force commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Snider, USFJ senior enlisted leader, talk with Airmen from the 35th Maintenance Squadron about the importance of their mission during a visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 8, 2021. Rupp and Snider were shown the Hush House where Misawa tests their jet engines prior to being installed in operational aircraft.

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Medical Equipment and Ingenuity Saves Sorties

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Autry and Airman 1st Class Christopher Fougere, both 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit electrical and environmental systems specialists, test oxygen concentration levels for pilot breathing equipment on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2021. Both Airmen were coined by Col. Jesse Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing commander, for their quick thinking and ability to problem solve in order to ready six jets that were sidelined due to overdue oxygen generating systems inspections.

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Joint forces execute exercise PAC WEASEL

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing from MacDill Air Force Base, performs pre-flight maintenance on a KC-135R Stratotanker prior to a PACIFIC WEASEL exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 29, 2021. The exercise included a simulated Defensive Counter-Air mission better enabling the defense of the U.S. allied and partner nation’s maritime vessels.

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Tech. Sgt. Raymond Madayag: Prioritizing people, staying mission ready

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass coins Airmen during a base tour Aug. 24, 2021, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The Airmen were recommended by their leadership because they have exceeded expectations and support CMSAF’s priorities of people, readiness and culture. During the visit Bass also emphasized the necessity to accelerate change through Agile Combat Employment and Multi-Capable Airmen training.

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PACAF leaders visit Misawa Air Base 2021

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, PACAF command chief, address Team Misawa during an all call at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 20, 2021. The visit showcased how Team Misawa encapsulates PACAF's primary mission of providing ready air and space power, promoting U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

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OSI has a blast training with EOD

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyrone Powell, 35th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) journeyman, crouches behind a simulated improvised explosive device during Office of Special Investigations Detachment 623 crime scene processing training, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 8, 2021. This year, the special agents met with EOD to practice post-blast procedures.

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13th FS pilot wins JAAGA award, fortifies Japanese-American relations

U.S. Air Force Capt. Spencer “Boca” Rhoton, a 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, holds up the 13th FS call sign “Cave Putorium” (CP), while posing for a photo at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 7, 2021. The Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA) awards happen annually, honoring the top Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) member who best contributes to building U.S.-Japan partnerships.

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Japan Minister of Defense Visits Misawa Air Base

Capt. Austin Bangerter, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot, briefs Japan Minister of Defense, Nobuo Kishi, about the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the 35th FW’s mission to defend Japan, during a visit at Misawa Air Base on April 3, 2021. During the visit senior leaders emphasized the importance of U.S. and Japanese bilateral interoperability through realistic, high quality training and operations. They also discussed the strategic importance of Misawa Air Base as the premier location for aircraft to conduct training in the Indo-Pacific region.

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35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare to launch 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcons during a weeklong Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing Multi-Capable Airmen’s skillset at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 16, 2020. Six 13th FS F-16 and a crew of 45 Airmen from various squadrons simulated a mock deployment to an “austere” environment on the south ramp of the flightline. The designated location is not regularly used and not optimized for advanced operations. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Bulow-Gonterman)

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Great East Japan Earthquake 10th Anniversary Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Friedel (center), Misawa Air Base installation commander, celebrates with Japanese Air-Self Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takahiro Kubota (left), 3rd Air Wing commander, and Mr. Akio Takebayashi (right), Misawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, after dedicating the Misawa Officer’s Club Ballroom as the “Tomodachi Room” at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2021. The room was dedicated on the 10-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and named after Operation Tomodachi.

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Misawa Air Base Leaders Sign International Memorandum of Understanding

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members pose for a photo with signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding International 3010 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 12, 2021. The first of its kind to be signed in more than 20 years, MOUI 3010 outlines the responsibilities associated with the joint or sole use, maintenance, repair, and construction of U.S. and Japanese owned facilities and areas on Misawa Air Base.

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Misawa operates through record breaking December snowfall, demonstrates joint and allied force readiness

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, taxis towards the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2021. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the 35th Fighter Wing continues executing its mission of projecting combat air power and defending.

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Team Misawa Agile Combat Employment Exercise Enhances Capabilities

U.S. Air Force Airman Corey Tidwell, a 35th LRS fuels distribution journeyman, prepares to marshal an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Agile Combat Employment week at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 10, 2020. The 35th LRS tested a new cargo deployment function (CDF) process that centralized representatives from all units and their unpacked cargo in one location to collectively pack individual storage units, reducing the CDF timeline and deployment footprint.

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