35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, front, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teru “Beacon” Tomikawa, 3rd Air Wing commander, taxi an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2026. The familiarization flight reinforced the close partnership between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF through a shared operational experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, left, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teru “Beacon” Tomikawa, 3rd Air Wing commander, shake hands following a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2026. The flight concluded with an opportunity for both leaders to reflect on the experience while reinforcing the bilateral partnership between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teru “Beacon” Tomikawa, 3rd Air Wing commander, left, prepares for a familiarization flight with U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, aboard an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2026. The familiarization flight gave Maj. Gen. Tomikawa the opportunity to experience F-16 operations alongside the 35th Fighter Wing while strengthening professional ties between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, right, reviews flight planning materials with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Teru “Beacon” Tomikawa, 3rd Air Wing commander, before a familiarization flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2026. The familiarization flight provided an opportunity for the leaders to exchange operational perspectives and strengthen the enduring partnership between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul “Voodoo” Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander, left, presents a patch to Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Teru “Beacon” Tomikawa, 3rd Air Wing commander, during a familiarization flight visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2026. Familiarization flights strengthen bilateral partnerships and reinforce cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces in support of regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

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35th Fighter Wing commander hosts JASDF 3rd Air Wing commander for familiarization flight

Published July 13, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther
35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

The familiarization flight gave Maj. Gen. Tomikawa the opportunity to experience F-16 operations alongside the 35th Fighter Wing while strengthening professional ties between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF.