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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, right, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, and Capt. Kinser “Hawc” Newkirk, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, receive a pre-flight briefing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2026. Pre-flight briefings help pilots prepare for flight operations by reviewing mission objectives, safety procedures and current operating conditions, supporting the safe and effective execution of the 35th FW mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Kinser “Hawc” Newkirk, left, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, fist bumps Airman Oliver Roe, 14th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2026. Pilots and crew chiefs work together to ensure aircraft remain combat-ready and capable of supporting the 35th Fighter Wing’s defense capabilities for Northern Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Kinser “Hawc” Newkirk, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, poses for a photo from the cockpit of an F-16 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2026. Flight operations help pilots maintain proficiency and readiness while strengthening the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission readiness and air superiority capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, taxis down the runway during a training sortie at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2026. Training sorties help pilots maintain combat readiness and strengthen the 35th FW’s ability to execute flight operations in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command regional mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a training sortie at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2026. Flight operations and training sorties help maintain pilot proficiency and ensure the 35th FW remains prepared to defend U.S. allies throughout the Pacific Theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35 Fighter Wing pilots conduct flight operations to sustain readiness

Published May 31, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

Flight operations and training sorties help maintain pilot proficiency and ensure the 35th FW remains prepared to defend U.S. allies throughout the Pacific Theater.

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