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A rollover plow prepares for the obstacle course during the Snow Rodeo at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2024. The Snow Rodeo showcases the skills and training required to operate heavy machinery, ensuring the 35th Fighter Wing remains operational during inclement weather — reinforcing the Indo-Pacific’s focus on readiness, innovation, and lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristine Legate, Misawa American Forces Network producer, operates a heavy vehicle snow operations simulator at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2024. Misawa Air Base’s snow simulator allows personnel to practice realistic heavy equipment maneuvering with hydraulic feedback, multiple screens, and authentic input controls — this cutting-edge technology empowers operators to hone their skills in a realistic and engaging environment, ensuring the 35th Fighter Wing remains operational and mission-capable even in the most extreme winter conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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A rollover plow overlooks the Snow Rodeo course at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2024. The Snow Rodeo demonstrates the 35th Fighter Wing’s heavy machinery expertise, a crucial skill set for maintaining mission capability during winter conditions and strengthening the Indo-Pacific’s goals of resilience, innovation, and preparedness. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman, assigned to the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, demonstrates how to operate a Front-end Loader for a Snow Rodeo course at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2024. The Snow Rodeo highlights the expertise of operators who master the heavy machinery, enabling the 35th Fighter Wing to maintain its mission-readiness and operational effectiveness even in harsh winter conditions - underscoring the Indo-Pacific region's commitment to readiness, innovation, and strategic lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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A U.S. Air Force Airman, assigned to the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, unloads gravel into a dump truck during the Snow Rodeo course at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 12, 2024. The Snow Rodeo demonstrates the 35th Fighter Wing’s heavy machinery expertise, a crucial skill set for maintaining mission capability during winter conditions and strengthening the Indo-Pacific’s goals of resilience, innovation, and preparedness. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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Plowing Ahead: Snow Rodeo 2024

Published Nov. 14, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan. --

The Snow Rodeo showcases the skills and training required to operate heavy machinery, ensuring the 35th Fighter Wing remains operational during inclement weather — reinforcing the Indo-Pacific’s focus on readiness, innovation, and lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

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