U.S. Air Force Capt. Dakota Newton, a 14th Fighter Squadron standards and evaluations liaison officer, climbs a ladder to the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to the start of a bilateral exercise at Misawa Air Base, April 19, 2017. Exercises such as this enhance inoperability between the Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Forces and showcase the long standing military partnership and commitment between the two nations ensuring security and stability throughout the Indo Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)