Defenses standing-by
Japan Air Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Yamamoto, left, and Leading Airman Ikumi Aomatsu, right, both Shariki Sub Base Patriot missile operators, standby during a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 deployment training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 7, 2017. The PAC-3 guided air-and-missile defense system provides a highly reactive hit-to-kill capability in both range and altitude while operating in all environments. The planning of this evolution improves bilateral staff coordination between JASDF and U.S. forces across Japan, strengthening the mutual defense of the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert)