Locked, loaded and unified: U.S. and Japanese forces strengthen security at Misawa

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

A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member guards the hallway in a breaching exercise during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member guards the hallway in a breaching exercise during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. The training reinforced joint interoperability and sharpened the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to respond decisively to high-threat scenarios alongside Japanese partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)
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SLIDESHOW | 8 images | 251023-F-VQ736-1139
A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member guards the hallway in a breaching exercise during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

251023-F-VQ736-1139

A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member guards the hallway in a breaching exercise during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. The training reinforced joint interoperability and sharpened the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to respond decisively to high-threat scenarios alongside Japanese partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team patch is displayed during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team patch is displayed during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. Through shared close-quarters and breaching drills, participants improved communication and precision under pressure, directly advancing the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission of rapid, coordinated response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team members listen to introductions during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team members listen to introductions during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. The training reinforced joint interoperability and sharpened the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to respond decisively to high-threat scenarios alongside Japanese partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ricky Williams, 35th Security Forces defender, is taken down by Japanese National Police special investigation team members as part of a knife takedown demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ricky Williams, 35th Security Forces defender, is taken down by Japanese National Police special investigation team members as part of a knife takedown demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2025. By refining close-quarters tactics and communication under pressure, the 35th Fighter Wing reinforced its commitment to defending the base and sustaining combat readiness across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team members inspect a chest seal medical tool as part of a tactical combat casualty care session during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team members inspect a chest seal medical tool as part of a tactical combat casualty care session during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2025. These joint engagements exemplify how the 35th Fighter Wing and its Japanese counterparts build trust, readiness and resilience to defend the U.S.–Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member is tased as part of a demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member is tased as part of a demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2025. The training enhanced interoperability and strengthened the 35th Fighter Wing’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to high-risk threats alongside Japanese partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member is bitten by Clinton, 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, as part of a demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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A Japanese National Police Special Investigation Team member is bitten by Clinton, 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, as part of a demonstration during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2025. The exchange showcased seamless teamwork and reinforced the 35th Fighter Wing’s commitment to maintaining a secure, mission-capable installation prepared for any contingency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wendall Banks, 35th Security Forces Squadron unit trainer and sponsor, showcases a taser probe to local Japanese police forces during a joint special weapons and tactics training event.

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wendall Banks, 35th Security Forces Squadron unit trainer and sponsor, showcases a taser probe to local Japanese police forces during a joint special weapons and tactics training event at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2025. By integrating tactics with Japanese police forces, the 35th Fighter Wing strengthened its installation defense posture and enhanced combined readiness across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hannah Bench)

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