Misawa Air Base

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Fighter Wing Staff Agency Innovation Cell director, briefs Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders on 3-D printing techniques during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base — Strategic Studies Group members visit at Misawa AB

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Fighter Wing Staff Agency Innovation Cell director, briefs Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders on 3-D printing techniques during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to synchronize the 35 FW’s innovation efforts with Department of the Air Force strategic objectives, such as addressing the installation’s ability to generate sorties under attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)

U.S. Airmen and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders conduct a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base — Strategic Studies Group members visit at Misawa AB

U.S. Airmen and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders conduct a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to synchronize the 35 FW’s innovation efforts with Department of the Air Force strategic objectives, such as addressing the installation’s ability to generate sorties under attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)

Strategic Studies Group members visit at Misawa AB

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Fighter Wing Staff Agency Innovation Cell director, briefs Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders on 3-D printing techniques during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to synchronize the 35 FW’s innovation efforts with Department of the Air Force strategic objectives, such as addressing the installation’s ability to generate sorties under attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)

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Strategic Studies Group members visit at Misawa AB

U.S. Airmen and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders conduct a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to synchronize the 35 FW’s innovation efforts with Department of the Air Force strategic objectives, such as addressing the installation’s ability to generate sorties under attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)

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Strategic Studies Group members visit at Misawa AB

Published March 24, 2026
By Kohei Sugisawa
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Airmen and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders conduct a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teruaki Fujita, 3rd Air Wing commander, reviews 3D printed products during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base. — Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teruaki Fujita, 3rd Air Wing commander, reviews 3D printed products during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. This tour enabled U.S. and Japanese allies to share and enhance mutual knowledge by sharing 35 FW’s Innovation Cell experience with JASDF personnel on 3D-printed products and mission-essential equipment, thereby improving interoperability, operational efficiency and joint capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Fighter Wing Staff Agency Innovation Cell director, showcases examples of his section’s innovation products to Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base — U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Fighter Wing Staff Agency Innovation Cell director, showcases examples of his section’s innovation products to Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders during a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 3, 2026. This visit seeks to bridge the gap between U.S. operational experience and Japan’s nascent posture to counter small unmanned aircraft systems. (U.S.Air Force photo by Kohei Sugisawa)