A New Era: 13th Fighter Squadron’s F-16 Divestment

  • Published
  • By Airman Hannah Bench
  • 35th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Willenbrock, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, and Senior Airman John Durkin, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, complete pre-flight inspections before divestment.

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Willenbrock, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, and Senior Airman John Durkin, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, complete pre-flight inspections before divestment at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. The 13th Fighter Squadron’s former aircraft are being relocated as part of a $10 billion modernization plan to strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The implementation of F-35 Lightning IIs in the place of F-16s provides the Misawa Air Base’s joint ground forces freedom from attack and freedom to maneuver while simultaneously holding the adversary’s most heavily defended targets at risk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Willenbrock, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, and Senior Airman John Durkin, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, complete pre-flight inspections before divestment.

250902-F-VQ736-1051

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Willenbrock, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, and Senior Airman John Durkin, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, complete pre-flight inspections before divestment at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. The 13th Fighter Squadron’s former aircraft are being relocated as part of a $10 billion modernization plan to strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The implementation of F-35 Lightning IIs in the place of F-16s provides the Misawa Air Base’s joint ground forces freedom from attack and freedom to maneuver while simultaneously holding the adversary’s most heavily defended targets at risk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Carlyann Dean, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, lowers the canopy of an F-16.

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Carlyann Dean, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, lowers the canopy of an F-16 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. F-16s assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron are being relocated under a process designed to sustain readiness with overlapping assets in the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The permanent stationing of newer, more advanced aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning IIs will enhance Misawa Air Base’s operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) takes off for the last time.

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) takes off for the last time at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. The 13th FS’s former aircraft are being relocated for F-35 Lightning IIs under a modernization plan that invests billions into maintaining the Indo-Pacific regional stability. The F-35 has the fifth-generation capabilities needed to achieve unmatched levels of survivability and lethality required to maintain the 35th Fighter Wing’s advantage against new and evolving threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) departs for the last time.

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) departs for the last time at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. The 13th FS’s former aircraft are being relocated in a realignment that underscores the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. It is necessary to modernize assets to ensure Misawa Air Base is ready to maintain a credible deterrence force while advancing 35th Fighter Wing capabilities and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron departs for the last time.

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron departs for the last time at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. Following more than 40 years at Misawa, the F-16s are being relocated in line with a Department of Defense plan to advance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Divesting F-16s and permanently stationing F-35 Lightning IIs strengthens the 35th Fighter Wing’s deterrence posture and sharpens its regional response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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