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)