Misawa Air Base News

Ready to respond: 35th SFS performs heavy weapons training

Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:36:00 GMT

Through recurring weapons training, 35th SFS Airmen maintain the proficiency required to defend the installation against ground threats and protect the personnel, aircraft and infrastructure critical to mission execution. A capable and ready security force helps preserve Misawa’s operational readiness, enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to generate combat power and support U.S. Forces Japan and U.S. Pacific Command operations.

From innovation to Airman of the Year at Misawa

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:36:00 GMT

That combination of innovation, leadership and mission impact earned Schaeffer one of the Air Force's highest enlisted honors. In 2026, the Air Force selected him as one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, representing PACAF. The annual program recognizes enlisted Airmen for superior leadership, exemplary job performance, community involvement and personal achievement.

Misawa Air Base sharpens emergency response with Navy, JASDF partners

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 02:23:35 GMT

The training demonstrated the value of an integrated emergency management approach, bringing U.S. Air Force, Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force responders together to strengthen coordination, reduce language barriers and improve Team Misawa’s collective response to crisis events.

From surfer to savior: Training makes the difference

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 23:35:56 GMT

Nick had taken lifesaving courses through the American Red Cross, a decision that proved critical when a routine day in the water turned into an emergency with no one else around to help.

Fueling the Fight: 35th Maintenance Squadron Conducts Nestable Fuel Tank Build Up Training

Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:17:42 GMT

The five-day training prepares Airmen outside the Fuel Systems specialty to augment fuel tank production during increased demand, expanding the 35th Fighter Wing’s capacity to sustain combat airpower and meet operational demands across the Pacific.

Strength in Action: Misawa Hosts First Strongest 100

Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:17:00 GMT

The event brought members of the Misawa Air Base community together through challenging competition, fostering camaraderie and a shared commitment to fitness that supports a ready and connected joint and bilateral military community responsible for defending Japan from adversaries.

Wild Weasel Walk-Through: 610th Air Control Flight

Pentagon News — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:15:15 GMT

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew T. Hoyt, 35th Fighter Wing deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jason T. Amaxopulos, 35th FW command chief, visit the 610th Air Control Flight ACF) during a Wild Weasel Walk-Through at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2026. The visit highlighted how 610th ACF weapons controllers manage the tactical air picture, coordinate aircraft and support deployable command-and-control operations across the Pacific, strengthening Misawa’s ability to rapidly integrate and employ combat airpower. During the walkthrough, Senior Airman Xavier Tanner, 610th ACF weapons director, received personal recognition from wing leadership for his outstanding performance and contributions to the unit’s mission.

HOPE starts here: Misawa Airmen strengthen resiliency

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:32:00 GMT

Today, Thompson serves as president of the HOPE Initiative at Misawa Air Base. Nearly a decade after learning what it meant to have someone ask if he was OK, he found himself on the other side of that conversation when an Airman walked into his office.

35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

Senior Airman Gavin Hameed — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:57:22 GMT

U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, meets with Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. The engagement reinforced the longstanding relationship between Misawa Air Base and Aomori Prefecture while advancing dialogue on community ties, crisis response and continued coordination with Japan Air Self-Defense Force and local government partners. Sustained host-nation relationships strengthen the trust, access and resilient support networks that enable Misawa to remain mission ready, support U.S.-Japan Alliance operations and contribute to credible deterrence, regional stability and peace in the Pacific.

Wild Weasel Walk-Through: BASH program

Senior Airman Gavin Hameed — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:50:14 GMT

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Frank, 35th Fighter Wing aviation safety noncommissioned officer, leads wing leadership through the Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard Program during a Wild Weasel Walk-Through at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 18, 2026. The walkthrough highlighted how wildlife monitoring, habitat management, active dispersal techniques and bird-strike response help reduce aircraft mishap risks, protect aircrew and mission assets, and preserve the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to sustain flying operations and generate combat airpower.

35th Fighter Wing commander flies F-35A Lightning II

Senior Airman Patrick Boyle — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:52:09 GMT

U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, flew an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron. The flight highlighted the continued integration of the F-35 into the 35th FW's mission, strengthening the wing's ability to generate fifth-generation combat airpower alongside its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet in support of regional security.

Team Misawa Participates in Aomori Nebuta Festival

Senior Airman Andre Medina — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:27:56 GMT

Members of the 35th Fighter Wing participate in a Nebuta Festival parade in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 6, 2026. The engagement strengthened host-nation relationships that support integrated deterrence by reinforcing the community trust and allied cooperation needed to sustain U.S. presence and partnership in the Pacific.

35th Maintenance Squadron avionics technicians ensure F-16 readiness

Senior Airman Patrick Boyle — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:42:02 GMT

The work performed by 35th Maintenance Squadron avionics and electronic warfare systems Airmen preserves the advanced mission systems that enable aircraft to detect, respond to and overcome evolving threats, supporting the continuous generation of combat-ready aircraft.

Wild Weasel Walkthrough: 35th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron

Senior Airman Gavin Hameed — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:32:54 GMT

35th Fighter Wing leadership visited the 35th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron during a Wild Weasel Walkthrough at Misawa Air Base, Japan Aug. 10, 2026. The Wild Weasel Walkthrough provided wing leadership an opportunity to recognize star performers within the unit and a firsthand look at the rehabilitation capabilities, treatment methods and recovery resources used to restore mobility and sustain medical readiness of service members across the 35th Fighter Wing.

Wild Weasels take F-35A to Red Flag-Alaska 26-3

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:57:00 GMT

The 35th Fighter Wing is preparing to deploy its U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Red Flag-Alaska 26-3. The exercise marks the first time the 13th Fighter Squadron will employ its new F-35As in a large-force training environment, with the Wild Weasels leading the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) mission alongside joint and allied partners.

35th Fighter Wing stays mission ready, one smile at a time

Senior Airman Gavin Hameed — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:09:06 GMT

U.S. Air Force dental personnel assigned to the 35th Medical Group provide comprehensive examinations, preventive cleanings, cavity detection and restorative care to patients at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 28, 2026. Through early detection, preventive treatment and the repair of damaged tooth structure, the dental team helps Airmen maintain the oral health, deployability and medical readiness required to accomplish the mission.

35th Fighter Wing activates 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Senior Airman Patrick Boyle — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:42:00 GMT

The 35th Fighter Wing activated the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 17, 2026. The 35th AMXS establishes a unified maintenance organization that strengthens the wing's ability to generate combat airpower, integrate U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II operations, and support regional stability alongside joint and allied partners.

Serow Samurai: Ready to Respond

Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:11:29 GMT

The exercise strengthened participants' ability to conduct chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear operations in a simulated contested environment, enhancing Total Force readiness to rapidly deploy, adapt and operate in defense of U.S. and allied interests while deterring aggression.

Serow Samurai: Ready to Respond

Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:51:00 GMT

Serow Samurai strengthened Total Force integration by reinforcing expeditionary readiness, ensuring Airmen are prepared to adapt and operate in defense of U.S. and allied interests across the Pacific.

Wild Weasel Walk-Through: 35th Force Support Squadron marketing and publicity office

Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:25:34 GMT

The visit recognized Senior Airman Jiminez Reyes' contributions to the 35th FSS Marketing Office's mission of connecting Airmen, Guardians and families with the programs and services that foster a resilient, mission-ready community.