F-35 pilots assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) used F-35 Emulated Non-Operational Flight Program Interoperability Experience (FENIX) simulators during Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026 from June 22–30 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, connecting the squadron to a distributed training environment
U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, conducts his final flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2026. The tradition commemorates an aviator's final flight before changing assignments, commemorating Col. Davidson's service as both a pilot and wing commander.
The visit marked a Wing Commander for a Day tradition, providing Mayor Kohiyama with the opportunity to experience the mission of the 35th FW firsthand while strengthening the longstanding partnership between Misawa Air Base and the local community.