Misawa Airmen ready for anything

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on the final day of an operational readiness exercise, Nov. 10, 2010. Pilots use the F-16's afterburner, delivering approximately 27,000 pounds of thrust, to rotate skyward as quickly as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

Misawa Airmen ready for anything

Four F-16 Fighting Falcons line up in preparation for takeoff on the final day of an operational readiness exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2010. The pilots ran through scenarios including avoidance of simulated law of armed conflict violations and in-flight emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said he enjoyed seeing the fall colors in the Hokkaido Mountains during his flight which he earned through outstanding service while assigned to the wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, and Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, prepare for takeoff in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Among Sergeant Mutz's accomplishments earning him the title of 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year, he co-managed the base emergency management program, training more than 250 emergency managers and representatives. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, climbs into the back seat of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz said he couldn't sleep the night before due to his excitement. The 35th Fighter Wing gives incentive flights to outstanding Airmen each year to reward their exceptional work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)

CE Airman explores 'the wild blue yonder'

U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Nations, 14th Fighter Squadron standardization and evaluations officer, assists Staff Sgt. Bernard Mutz, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency manager, with his flight survival gear in the 14th FS locker room, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2010. Sergeant Mutz won the Sijan Award and 35th Mission Support Group Airman of the Year for 2009, earning himself an incentive flight for his accomplishments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse/Released)