U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, gives a mission and safety brief to four incentive fliers at the 14 FS building, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. The Misawa incentive flight program rewards outstanding Airmen, such as annual award winners, with a backseat ride in an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, assists Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, with his flight survival gear in the 14th FS locker room, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz won the Sijan Award and 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year for 2009, earning himself an incentive flight for his accomplishments. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, climbs into the back seat of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said he couldn't sleep the night before due to his excitement. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, performs preflight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Captain Nations said he rarely sees fliers who aren't smiling ear-to-ear after their incentive ride. He enjoys being able to show Airmen what their exceptional work supports and how they contribute to the success of the wing's mission. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, reviews the parts of the F-16 Fighting Falcon controls and equipment with Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, before takeoff at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Pilots keep safety at the forefront of their priorities, making sure incentive flight riders understand emergency proceedures in the unlikely event of an in-flight emergency. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, prepare for takeoff in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Among Sergeant Mutz's accomplishments earning him the title of 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year, he co-managed the base emergency management program, training more than 250 emergency managers and representatives. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said he enjoyed seeing the fall colors in the Hokkaido Mountains during his flight which he earned through outstanding service while assigned to the wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, taxi to a hardened aircraft shelter in an F-16 Fighting Falcon following an incentive flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said the flight gave him a new understanding and respect for what pilots do. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, return to the 14 FS building after an incentive flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said flying in an F-16 was an opportunity he never imagined he'd get, but having the incentive program pushes him to pursue excellence. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

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CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

Published Nov. 4, 2010