2010 Misawa Air Festival approaches

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force members are completing final preparations for the Sept. 19 Misawa Air Festival.

"We take great pride in our role supporting our JASDF colleagues each year for the air festival," said Col. Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing and Misawa Air Base installation commander. "This year marks 50 years of team work between JASDF and the U.S. Air Force, and we're especially thrilled this year about showcasing both nations' capabilities to our neighbors in the Japanese community."

Gates open at 7 a.m., and a special JASDF-U.S. Air Force 50th anniversary photo opportunity is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the show center. JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander, Maj. Gen. Hiroaki Maehara, will join Colonel Rothstein to display the 50th Anniversary Security Agreement logo. Both a JASDF F-2, and a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon will be on display for the photo opportunity.

Headlining show performances will be JASDF's Blue Impulse. Additional attractions include demonstrations from various U.S. and Japanese aerial teams, including the Pacific Air Forces F-16 demonstration team, and a rare appearance by a B-52 Stratofortress. Musical performances are also planned, featuring the JASDF Band and the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band, Orient Express.

Vendors from throughout Japan and numerous base organizations will be on the flightline selling Japanese and American food and souvenirs.

Click here for the latest 2010 Misawa Air Festival schedule of events and other information.