35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita, left, and U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, right, shakes hands following an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. The visit reaffirmed an enduring host-nation partnership that strengthens alliance resilience, supports Misawa’s ability to execute its mission and contributes to the broader Department of War objective of preserving peace in the Pacific through credible military strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gavin Hameed)

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35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita, left, and U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, right, exchange business cards during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to establish rapport with Aomori prefecture leaders and reinforced the host-nation relationships that support Misawa’s enduring presence and operational effectiveness, strengthening the alliance foundation required to maintain credible deterrence and preserve peace in the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gavin Hameed)

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35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita, left, meets with 35th Fighter Wing leaders during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. Continued engagement with prefectural leaders strengthens mutual understanding and supports the seamless coordination needed to respond to challenges ranging from severe weather and natural disasters to regional security concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gavin Hameed)

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35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, right, meets with Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita, left, during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. Continued engagement at the prefectural level strengthens community ties, encourages collaboration and supports the long-term relationship between Misawa Air Base and northern Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gavin Hameed)

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35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, right, speaks with Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. The discussion reinforced the trust and coordination required to align local, military and alliance efforts, supporting a combat-credible posture that strengthens deterrence and contributes to peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gavin Hameed)

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35th Fighter Wing reinforces U.S.-Japan partnership in Aomori

Published Aug. 20, 2026
By Senior Airman Gavin Hameed
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Lause, 35th Fighter Wing commander, meets with Aomori Prefecture Gov. Sōichirō Miyashita during an introductory office call in Aomori City, Japan, Aug. 19, 2026. The engagement reinforced the longstanding relationship between Misawa Air Base and Aomori Prefecture while advancing dialogue on community ties, crisis response and continued coordination with Japan Air Self-Defense Force and local government partners. Sustained host-nation relationships strengthen the trust, access and resilient support networks that enable Misawa to remain mission ready, support U.S.-Japan Alliance operations and contribute to credible deterrence, regional stability and peace in the Pacific.