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  • Flying Forward: A Career Built with Misawa at the Heart

    After more than two decades of service and three separate assignments to Misawa Air Base, U.S. Air Force Col. Matt “SWAT” Kenkel, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) deputy commander, is bidding farewell to the Wild Weasel community and reflecting on a career defined by commitment, connection and combat

  • Faces of REFORPAC: A1C Andrew Mikel, 35th LRS

    REFORPAC, part of the first-in-a-generation department-level exercise series, challenges U.S. forces and allies across 3,000 miles, more than 50 locations and over 400 aircraft. For Mikel, that means more jets, tighter timelines and expanded coordination across units.

  • Fighting Fires, Forging Leaders: The Story of Senior Master Sgt. Roger Halle

    Many have heard the title “fire chief,” but few fully understand the scope of responsibility it carries. Charged with ensuring the safety of entire installations, fire chiefs lead Airmen who risk their lives safeguarding life, infrastructure and mission-critical equipment. The role demands not only

  • Wild Weasel of the Week: Senior Airman Derek Johnson

    Johnson delivered critical support during Exercise BALIKATAN 2025 in the Philippines. Airmen selected as Wild Weasel of the Week represent the top performers from across Misawa Air Base, chosen for their exceptional work ethic, mission focus and commitment to Air Force core values.

  • Wild Weasel Walkthrough: 14th FGS/Crew Chiefs

    This week, the Wild Weasel Walkthrough highlighted the 14th Fighter Generation Squadron and their crew chiefs. Crew chiefs perform detailed inspections, troubleshoot complex systems, replace critical components, and manage maintenance documentation to keep 35th Fighter Wing F-16s mission ready.

  • From Forecasts to Fulfillment: Airman Finds Purpose Through Weather Mission

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Elijah Tait, 35th Operations Support Squadron weather operations and planning noncommissioned officer in charge, deployed to Niamey, Niger in 2023 for a total of 132 days. From a quiet college student searching for direction to a confident leader of weather operations, Tait