Rain can't stop Misawa Air Festival 2012

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft pilot demonstrates the multi-role fighter’s maneuverability during the Air Festival Sept. 9, 2012, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Aircraft soared through the sky while others sat static for viewing during the Air Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb/Released)

Rain can't stop Misawa Air Festival 2012

Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft take off during the Air Festival Sept. 9, 2012, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Thousands of people from across Japan visited Misawa Air Base for this annual event, which displayed the teamwork and openness shared by U.S. and Japan forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb/Released)

Rain can't stop Misawa Air Festival 2012

A U.S. Air Force pilot displays the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft’s abilities during the Air Festival at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2012. The 2012 Misawa Air Festival featured aircraft and equipment from the U.S. military as well as Japan Air Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb/Released)

Fighting Samurai deploys air power to OEF

A 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon launches from Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 13, 2012. The 14 FS Wild Weasels began a mission to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. April Quintanilla)

Fighting Samurai deploys air power to OEF

U.S. Air Force Lt Col Gene Sherer, 14th Fighter Squadron pilot, flashes the Samurai sign prior to taxing down the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 13, 2012. Members of the 14 FS departed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. April Quintanilla)

USFJ, 5 AF CC flies Wild Weasel territory

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella, U.S. Forces, Japan, and 5th Air Force commander, takes off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 10, 2012. This was Angelella’s first visit to Misawa as the commander of USFJ, and 5 AF. He previously served as the 35th Fighter Wing Commander from 2005-2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins/Released)

Wild Weasels continue mission after validating aircraft safety

Airmen perform safety checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2012. The purpose of safety checks is to ensure that both the pilot and the jet reach their destination without problems. Safety is a top priority for all maintainers, which is another reason these checks are performed daily. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee/Released)

Wild Weasels continue mission after validating aircraft safety

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Shawl, front, 35th Maintenance Squadron sheet metal technician, signs brake-line repair forms as Senior Airman Zachary Hurt, 14th Fighter Squadron aircraft maintainer, inspects landing gear at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2012. Inspections are done daily on the Fighting Falcons to keep pilots safe and ensure the aircraft are ready to fly at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. April Quintanilla)

Diesel Weasel Exercise trains Misawa pilots on Close Air Support

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conduct a simulated Show of Force in support of friendly forces to deter enemy action during the Diesel Weasel Exercise at Draughon Range, Japan, May 8, 2012. During the exercise pilots practiced techniques like strafing targets, allowing them to hone their skills for global contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay/Released)

Diesel Weasel Exercise trains Misawa pilots on Close Air Support

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft performs a drop in support of the Diesel Weasel Exercise at Draughon Range, Japan, May 8, 2012. The exercise allows pilots to practice ground-to-air response and provide combat air support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay/Released)

Aggressors take to the sky, prepare for battle

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Squadron out of Kunsan Air Base, Korea takes off to participate as an aggressor during an operational readiness inspection here Dec. 7. Misawa is in the phase II portion of their ORI as they are evaluated on their ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

Aggressors take to the sky, prepare for battle

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Squadron out of Kunsan Air Base, Korea takes off to participate as an aggressor during an operational readiness inspection here Dec. 7. Misawa is in the phase II portion of their ORI as they are evaluated on their ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

Visiting aircraft act as aggressors during inspection

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - A C-130 from the Alaska National Guard and eight F-16s with the 35th Fighter Squadron out of Kunsan Air Base, Korea, sit on the flightline awaiting participation as aggressors during an operational readiness inspection here Dec. 6. The 35 FW is currently going through an ORI which occur every two years. The Pacific Air Forces Inspector General Team will spend this week evaluating the deployment capabilities of Misawa's airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

Visiting aircraft act as aggressors during inspection

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - A C-130 from the Alaska National Guard and eight F-16s with the 35th Fighter Squadron out of Kunsan Air Base, Korea, sit postured on the flightline here awaiting participation as aggressors during an operational readiness inspection here Dec. 6. The 35th Fighter Wing from Misawa is currently going through an ORI which occur every two years. The Pacific Air Forces Inspector General Team will spend this week evaluating the deployment capabilities of Misawa's airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

End-of-runway inspection ensures safe flying

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off after their end-of-runway inspection here Oct. 26. The purpose of EOR is to arm the munitions on the jet and ensure it is safe to fly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

End-of-runway inspection ensures safe flying

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Butzin, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, completes final checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the end-of-runway inspection here Oct. 26. The purpose of EOR is to arm the munitions on the jet and ensure it is safe to fly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marie Brown)

35th Fighter Wing maintains perfection at Alaska

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 13th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan takes off from the flightline at Eielson Air Force base, Alaska Sept. 20.Several units from Misawa are participating in the Distant Frontier exercise. The exercise hones pilot’s air-to-ground and air-to-air skills by simulating realistic enemy surface-to-air missile fire and advanced enemy air combat tactics. (Courtesy photo)

Wild Weasels dominate air and land during base exercise

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Lt. Col. Gregory Kreuder, 13th Fighter Squadron, signals the claws of the Panther "the 13th FS's hand sign" as he moves down the taxi-way during a training exercise July 28. The 35th Fighter Wing is engaged in a three-day pre-deployment exercise, simulating a variety of scenarios in a pre-combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. April Quintanilla)

Misawa Airmen welcomed home

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A pilot with the 13th Fighter Squadron taxis on the flightline May 13. The 13th FS returned from a seven-and-a-half month deployment to Balad, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marie Brown/Released)

A Warm Wild Weasel Welcome

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Smoke on the runway signals the end of a deployment for members of the 13th Fighter Squadron. The 35th Fighter Wing has continuously supported overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. April Qunitanilla/Released)

Misawa completes majority of voluntary departures

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A North American Airlines aircraft takes off from Misawa March 25. Six contracted flights departed Misawa, carrying more than 1,300 family members taking part in a voluntary departure. The voluntary departure process continues for family members who decide to leave Japan as a result of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck March 11. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez/Released)

Weasel mission doesn't stop for weather

Members of the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal team clear freshly fallen snow from the 35th Fighter Wing's taxiways, ensuring safe ground passage for Misawa's Fighting Falcon fleet Dec. 29, 2010; Misawa Air Base. The snow removal team uses a variety of specialized equipment ranging from large mobile brushes and blowers to high-speed plows to sweep, blow and scrape snow from pavements, ensuring mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

End-of-runway checks ensure safe flying

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie Drooger, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron end-of-runway NCO in charge, marshals six F-16 Fighting Falcons during the EOR inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2010. The purpose of an EOR inspection is to arm the munitions on the jet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer/Released)

End-of-runway checks ensure safe flying

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Antonio Evangelista, 35th Maintenance Operations Squadron weapons loader, arms munitions on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2010. This F-16 was one of six jets inspected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer/Released)