Egress: The Quickest Way Out

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andre Medina
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Airman performs maintenance on an F-16

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chase Sherer, and Senior Airman Edmundo Vasquez, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeymen, prepare to replace an emergency canopy release line on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. Egress specialists ensure ejection systems remain functional, directly supporting aircraft readiness and reducing the risk of mission failure due to equipment malfunctions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)
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SLIDESHOW | 6 images | 250327-F-NU460-1042
Airman performs maintenance on an F-16

250327-F-NU460-1042

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chase Sherer, and Senior Airman Edmundo Vasquez, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeymen, prepare to replace an emergency canopy release line on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. Egress specialists ensure ejection systems remain functional, directly supporting aircraft readiness and reducing the risk of mission failure due to equipment malfunctions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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Airman sets in place a stand

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edmundo Vasquez, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeyman, locks a stand in place next to an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. The egress section ensures ejection systems function reliably in emergencies, supporting mission success through aircraft readiness, pilot safety, and operational effectiveness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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Ear protection and belt on a stand

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Ear protection and a safety belt hangs on an aircraft maintenance stand at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. Safety gear is vital to protect personnel from the hazards of ejection systems and explosives, ensuring their safety during maintenance and testing to support the 35th Fighter Wing’s focus on mission readiness, operational excellence and Airmen safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Airman performs maintenance on a F-16

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chase Sherer, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeyman, removes and replaces an expired emergency canopy release line at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. Keeping equipment updated in egress is essential to the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission as it ensures reliable, effective tools for safe and quick evacuation during emergencies, minimizing risks to life and enhancing mission readiness across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Airman performs maintenance on an F-16

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edmundo Vasquez, 35th Maintenance Squadron egress journeyman, performs maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon to replace an emergency canopy release line at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. The proper functioning of egress components is critical to the safety and effectiveness of ejection systems, ensuring pilots can safely escape in emergencies, minimizing malfunction risks, enhancing pilot survival rates and supporting mission success by maintaining operational readiness in dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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Airman performs maintenance on an F-16

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A box of tools sits on a stand at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 27, 2025. By keeping ejection systems functional, egress specialists directly support aircraft readiness, reducing the risk of mission failure due to equipment malfunctions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

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