A Warm Wild Weasel Welcome

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Smoke on the runway signals the end of a deployment for members of the 13th Fighter Squadron. The 35th Fighter Wing has continuously supported overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. April Qunitanilla/Released)

A Warm Wild Weasel Welcome

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 13th Fighter Squadron touch down here May 11, signifying the end of a deployment in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility. The 13th Fighter Squadron, as part of the 35th Fighter Wing, also protects U.S. interests in the Pacific and aids in the defense of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. April Quintanilla/Released)

Weasel mission doesn't stop for weather

Members of the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal team clear freshly fallen snow from the 35th Fighter Wing's taxiways, ensuring safe ground passage for Misawa's Fighting Falcon fleet Dec. 29, 2010; Misawa Air Base. The snow removal team uses a variety of specialized equipment ranging from large mobile brushes and blowers to high-speed plows to sweep, blow and scrape snow from pavements, ensuring mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

End-of-runway checks ensure safe flying

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2010.The F-16's afterburner delivers approximately 27,000 pounds of thrust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer/Released)

End-of-runway checks ensure safe flying

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Antonio Evangelista, 35th Maintenance Operations Squadron weapons loader, arms munitions on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2010. This F-16 was one of six jets inspected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer/Released)

End-of-runway checks ensure safe flying

An F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis to the end of the runway for inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2010. The primary purpose of an EOR inspection is to arm the jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa Airmen ready for anything

Four F-16 Fighting Falcons line up in preparation for takeoff on the final day of an operational readiness exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2010. The pilots ran through scenarios including avoidance of simulated law of armed conflict violations and in-flight emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, return to the 14 FS building after an incentive flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said flying in an F-16 was an opportunity he never imagined he'd get, but having the incentive program pushes him to pursue excellence. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, prepare for takeoff in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Among Sergeant Mutz's accomplishments earning him the title of 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year, he co-managed the base emergency management program, training more than 250 emergency managers and representatives. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, reviews the parts of the F-16 Fighting Falcon controls and equipment with Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, before takeoff at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Pilots keep safety at the forefront of their priorities, making sure incentive flight riders understand emergency proceedures in the unlikely event of an in-flight emergency. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, assists Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, with his flight survival gear in the 14th FS locker room, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz won the Sijan Award and 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year for 2009, earning himself an incentive flight for his accomplishments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, gives a mission and safety brief to four incentive fliers at the 14 FS building, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. The Misawa incentive flight program rewards outstanding Airmen, such as annual award winners, with a backseat ride in an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

An A-10 Thunderbolt II performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Pacific Air Forces Aerial Demonstration Team performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

Japanese demonstration team, Blue Impulse, performs a four-ship formation flyby during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

Members of the Japanese demonstration team Blue Impulse perform an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

A member of the Japanese demonstration team Blue Impulse performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

Japanese demonstration team, Blue Impulse, performs a five-ship formation flyby during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

A member of the Japanese demonstration team, Blue Impulse, performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

A Japanese F-2 performs an aerial demonstration during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

A Japanese F-2 takes off during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

Japanese demonstration team, Blue Impulse, performs a four-ship formation flyby during Misawa Air Festival 2010 Sept. 19, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer/Released)

F-16 pilots train combat skills

The 13th Fighter Squadron conducts pre-deployment training at Draughon Range, north of Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2010. Training consisted of high-angle strafe patterns using high explosive-incendiary ammunition. HEI is a forward firing ordinance of bullets being shot from the F-16 Flying Falcon aimed at a specific target on the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Russell McBride/Released)

F-16 pilots train combat skills

A 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Flying Falcon fires high-angle strafe patterns using high explosive-incendiary ammunition, during pre-deployment training at Draughon Range, north of Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Russell McBride/Released)