learning the display

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., left, the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, watches as Col. Paul D. Kirmis, right, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, explains the heads up display before a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2019. During the flight, Winegardner better familiarized himself with the suppression of enemy air defense mission and how it provides safety and security across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

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Who’s the best? LRS!

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Gino Scholtz, left, a 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron transportation support supervisor, shows an award to Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., right, the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, during a familiarization tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2019. During his visit to the 35th LRS, Winegardner talked with the squadron and learned about their accomplishments over the past year. He also recognized multiple Airmen from different units for their outstanding career performance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Getting to know our Airmen

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chloe Betts, left, a 35th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., right, the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, share a laugh after his equipment fitting for a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2019. Winegardner’s goal during his visit was to familiarize himself with Team Misawa Airmen and their missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

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Climbing on up

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, climbs up an excavator during a familiarization tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2019. Windgardner operated the excavator and performed a handler’s training exercise, requiring him to delicately lift a soccer ball off a construction cone. Afterward, he recognized an Airman for his outstanding career performance in the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Happy Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Braxton Dalton, a 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, shakes hands with Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, after a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2019. During his visit, Winegardner learned about various units’ mission sets contributing to the security of the Indo-Pacific region. He also took time getting to know the Airmen who make the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission happen by shadowing Dalton the day prior. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

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Personalized headgear

An Airman with the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit shows off a personalized headgear set prior to Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, arriving for a maintenance squadron familiarization tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2019. Winegardner visited the 35th Fighter Wing during a familiarization tour, structured specifically so the Chief could get to know the Airmen who support the Indo-Pacific mission. The 14th AMU showed Winegardner how they prepare F-16 Fighting Falcons for sorties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Coined

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., left, the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, coins Airman 1st Class Joseph Luker, right, a 35th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment operator, during a familiarization tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2019. During his immersion at the 35th CES complex, Winegardner learned about the different mechanical instruments which aid in on-installation runway maintenance and repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sadie Colbert)

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Getting fitted

Airmen with the 35th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment, fit a helmet on Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, for a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2019. AFE measured and fitted Winegardner’s helmet and oxygen mask perfectly, ensuring he received a free flow of oxygen during his familiarization flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase)

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USFJ senior enlisted leader visits Team Misawa Airmen face-to-face

Published June 12, 2019
By Staff Sgt. Brittany A. Chase
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, toured Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 5 to 7 to better familiarize himself with the Wild Weasel, tenant units and Japan Air Self-Defense Force missions.

During the visit, Winegardner saw first-hand the strong U.S. Japan alliance at Misawa and the chief saw how each person uniquely contributes to fueling Team Misawa’s mission.

learning the display

Who’s the best? LRS!

Getting to know our Airmen

Climbing on up

Happy Airmen

Personalized headgear

Coined

Getting fitted