MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) specialists from the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) and 13th Fighter Generation Squadron maintenance personnel worked alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) 3rd Air Wing POL and maintenance members to conduct a bilateral refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, May 30, 2025.
The demonstration showcased enhanced sortie generation capabilities and highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Japan partnership. The event validated refueling procedures between two aircraft types and support assets—U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and JASDF F-35 Lightning IIs.
“This event showcased the bilateral interoperability between JASDF and USAF refueling assets to increase partner nation flexibility in support of various operational objectives,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kira Duenas, 35th LRS fuels management flight commander.
During the event, POL personnel successfully refueled a JASDF F-35 and a U.S. F-16 alongside JASDF maintenance teams, with support from both nations’ maintenance personnel. This cross-support scenario allowed each force to deepen its understanding of the other’s procedures, equipment, and operational practices.
“You know what they say in our career field, without fuel, pilots are pedestrians,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lacey Crowley, 35th LRS traffic safety manager. “This interoperability demonstration wasn’t just about fuel, though. It proved our shared dedication to a strong partnership and to secure the region.”
The event focused on personnel familiarization, hands-on training, and strengthening the ability to execute joint missions. For those involved, it was both a technical success and a meaningful step toward long-term collaboration.
“We want to keep doing these kinds of exercises regularly and continue building our relationship more and more—especially here at Misawa,” said JASDF 1st Lt. Daisuke Kawagishi, 3rd Air Wing Maintenance Squadron.
Through direct coordination and shared responsibilities, the teams improved readiness, built mutual trust, and reinforced the strategic alliance that underpins regional security in the Indo-Pacific. By collaborating with our host nation partners, Misawa continues to perform a critical role in advancing bilateral operations and fostering interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces.
35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
Members of the 13th Fighter Generation Squadron and 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron stand beside members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing for a group photo during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. The demonstration underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, highlighting shared capabilities that enhance collective defense and mobility throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) member assigned to the 3rd Air Wing stands beside a JASDF F-35 Lightning II during a fuels interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. U.S. Air Force and JASDF personnel showcased coordination through cross-platform refueling operations, reinforcing their ability to operate as an integrated force during real-world missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
Members of the 13th Fighter Generation Squadron and 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron stand beside members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 3rd Air Wing during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. The demonstration underscored the enduring partnership between U.S. and Japanese service members, highlighting shared capabilities that enhance collective defense and mobility throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fuels specialists assigned to the 3rd Air Wing refuels a JASDF Lightning II during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. The demonstration at Misawa Air Base strengthened operational readiness between U.S. Air Force and JASDF units, ensuring both forces can sustain joint air operations in contested environments across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) members assigned to the 3rd Air Wing refuel a JASDF Lightning II during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. Regular fuels training ensures uninterrupted support for sortie generation, enabling both U.S. and Japan forces to maintain continuous air presence and rapid response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Loren, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, refuels a 13th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. Regular fuels training ensures uninterrupted support for sortie generation, enabling both U.S. and Japan forces to maintain continuous air presence and rapid response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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35th FW conducts bilateral fuels exercise with JASDF partners
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 13th Fighter Generation Squadron wears a patch given to him by a member of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) 3rd Air Wing during a refueling interoperability demonstration at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2025. U.S. Airmen and JASDF personnel worked side-by-side during the refueling exercise, building trust, technical understanding, and friendships that strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)
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