COMPACAF visits Misawa's Wild Weasels

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - Gen. Lori Robinson, commander of Pacific Air Forces, met with 35th Fighter Wing Airmen and local city officials during a visit here Aug. 4-6.

This was Robinson's first trip to Misawa since becoming COMPACAF, and she took the opportunity to meet with Airmen, families and civilians, who together execute the Wild Weasel mission.

"Among my priorities are the Airmen and taking care of their families," Robinson said. "At the end of the day, our Airmen's success is the command's success."

Robinson began her visit by hosting a mentoring session with Misawa's Key Spouses, highlighting their importance in ensuring PACAF Airmen remain resilient, flexible and responsible to the demands placed on them.

She was joined by her husband, retired Maj. Gen. David Robinson, and together they emphasized the support system spouses provide.

"One of the privileges David and I have is teaching squadron commanders about the important role of key spouses," Robinson said. "From information dissemination to taking care of our families, the role of a spouse is incredible. All we can do is say 'thank you.'"

Continuing her visit, Robinson joined Col. Timothy Sundvall, 35th FW commander, on the flightline to publicly re-certify the PACAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team after watching their aerial display.

Robinson made note of the impressive exhibition by the demo team and how the F-16's capabilities play a key part in power projection throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Robinson later met with Airmen from the 35th Force Support Squadron and 35th Medical Group, visiting several of their facilities, and learning how in contingency operations they can support sick and injured people at Misawa. Other topics discussed included potential renovation projects to several 35th FSS facilities, and the importance of the 35th MDG's ability to support forward-deploying Airmen in the Pacific, as well as rapid crisis response.

"The expansion bay at the 35th MDG can hold up to 50 patients without augmentation from other personnel and resources," explained Master Sgt. Deanne Jackson, 35th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness flight chief. "It can then expand and transform to house up to 75 patients during contingency operations and exercises."

In addition to Misawa's support role in the region, Robinson had the opportunity to see firsthand the partnerships present on the combined, bilateral installation, as well as off base during engagements with Japan Air Self Defense Force and local city leadership.

Robinson met with Kazumasa Taneichi, Misawa City mayor, to learn more about the close relationship the 35th FW has with its Japanese counterparts, and the bond it shares with the people outside of the gate.

The two spoke about the importance of having an active partnership with local government and other civic organizations.

"The support Misawa City provides to our service members and their families is important," Robinson said. "We will continue to maintain and develop that relationship as much as possible."

One of Robinson's last actions during her visit was to gather Airmen for an all-call, where she discussed several topics including re-balancing efforts in the Pacific, the importance of Misawa's ability to carry out the "fight tonight" mission, and change in the Air Force.

As she finished her address to the Airmen, she commended the 35th FW for their importance in the Pacific region and the mission they accomplish every day.

"What all of you bring to the institution every day is incredible," Robinson said. "As our Air Force continues to confront new changes, we will continue to do the very best we're able to do."