Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

A participant of a “Friendship Hike” holds a starfish found near the shoreline trail along the Tanesashi Coast at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. Hikers paused to observe marine life during the community outreach event, which commemorated America’s 250th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

From left, Michela Kuhn, wife of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Kuhn, 35th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader Capt. Vernon Nazareno, 35th Security Forces Squadron S3 operations officer, pose for a photo during a “Friendship Hike” at the Tanesashi Coast at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The scenic trek along the coastline celebrates America’s 250th birthday, highlighting the cultural exchange between Misawa Air Base personnel, their families and local residents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

U.S. Air Force Capt. Vernon Nazareno, 35th Security Forces Squadron S3 operations officer, and Chief Master Sgt. David Najera, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, observe the scenery along the Tanesashi Coast during a “Friendship Hike” at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The “Friendship Hike” served as a commemoration of America’s 250th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Members of the U.S. diplomatic corps and Misawa Air Base leaders hike along the Tanesashi Coast at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The event brought together base leaders, family members and local residents to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the coastal trail. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Aaron D. Snipe, poses for a group photo with 35th Fighter Wing leadership, Japan Air Self-Defense Forces leadership and local government officials participate in a “Friendship Hike” along the Tanesashi Coast trail at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The group participated in the hike to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and engage with local residents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Kuhn, 35th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, left, a local participant, middle, and Chief Master Sgt. Leonard Myers, 35th Medical Group senior enlisted leader, right, get ready to start their hike on the Tanesashi Coastal trail at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The “Friendship Hike” served as a commemoration of America’s 250th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Aaron D. Snipe, poses for a group photo with 35th Fighter Wing leadership, Japan Air Self-Defense Forces leadership and local government officials at the Tanesashi Coast sign at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The group participated in a “Friendship Hike” along the scenic coastline to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and highlight the deep-rooted partnership between the U.S. military and the host nation of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Participants of a “Friendship Hike” walk along the trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Hachinohe, Japan, June 20, 2026. The event commemorates America’s 250th birthday and promotes cultural exchange between Misawa Air Base personnel and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara)

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Coastal Connections: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Published June 20, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Jessel Fabara
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --