JAPAN

Spotlight!

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jared Villalta, 35th Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technology specialist, uses a computer numerical control mill on a component at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 1, 2025. Through strict compliance with technical orders and fabrication standards, Metals Technology ensures every component meets required specifications, supporting aircraft reliability and interoperability with allied forces.

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Misawa 35th MXS fabrication flight ensures mission readiness

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jared Villalta, 35th Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technology specialist, uses a computer numerical control mill on a component at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 1, 2025

Photo Of Angela Heck, president of the Zama Community Spouses’ Association, cleans a shelf April 17 at the East Meets West Gift Shop on Camp Zama.

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Camp Zama recognition ceremony shines light on community volunteers

Community volunteers who logged more than 17,000 collective hours of service last year, saving nearly $1 million in labor costs, were recognized for their efforts during a ceremony April 29.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Cargo Deployment Function innovation noncommissioned officer in charge, develops and codes for an AI flight scheduling system at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 28, 2025. This innovative system strengthens the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission by streamlining operations, maximizing combat readiness and ensuring rapid response across the Indo-Pacific.

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Misawa 35th FW innovation lab develops ‘Moneyball’ AI

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schaeffer, 35th Cargo Deployment Function innovation noncommissioned officer in charge, develops and codes for an AI flight scheduling system at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 28, 2025.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gracie Chaffin, 35th Maintenance Squadron analysis programs section chief, gives a presentation during a Wild Weasel Walk-through at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

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Misawa Wild Weasel Walk-through: 35th MXG/Analysis team

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gracie Chaffin, 35th Maintenance Squadron analysis programs section chief, gives a presentation during a Wild Weasel Walk-through at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April, 7, 2025.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph McLemore, 35th Maintenance Squadron conventional crew chief, fuses a GBU-54 bomb tail before assembling in support of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2025. BTF deployments demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, providing opportunities to train with allies and partners and enhance collective defenses.

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Misawa 35th FW supports BTF 25-2

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph McLemore, 35th Maintenance Squadron conventional crew chief, fuses a GBU-54 bomb tail before assembling in support of Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2025.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron (LRS) ground transport operator, tightens a ratchet strap to secure cargo for the Rhino Express program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2025. Securing cargo is essential to the 35th LRS Rhino Express program and the 35th Fighter Wing as it ensures safe transport, prevents damage to critical equipment, and supports mission readiness by enabling rapid and efficient deployments under agile combat employment concepts.

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Misawa 35th LRS Ground Transportation section earns Wheeled Warrior Award

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron (LRS) ground transport operator, tightens a ratchet strap to secure cargo for the Rhino Express program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2025.

Photo Of U.S. Air Force Capt. Hannah Snider, 374th Medical Group clinical nurse, poses for a photo in the urgent care clinic at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 27, 2025. The 374th HCOS supports warfighting readiness by providing critical medical services, including emergency care, surgical support, and preventive health measures, ensuring personnel are fit for duty and prepared for global contingencies.

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374 MDG enhances operational readiness at Yokota

U.S. Air Force Capt. Hannah Snider, 374th Medical Group clinical nurse, poses for a photo in the urgent care clinic at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 27, 2025.

Photo Of Kelly Agee, Denisse Rauda, Jeremy Stillwagner

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Pacific Tattoo: Ink at Stars and Stripes

We asked our staff to weigh in on their tattoos and the meaning behind their masterpieces.

Photo Of

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Pacific Tattoo: Artist’s take - Chico Sarayba

The tattoo culture in the Philippines is getting better and continues to grow. Our elders are starting to accept it and realize it’s art.

Photo Of Nicolas Corcoran

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Pacific Tattoo: Reveal - Nicolas Corcoran

I think my tattoos have mostly impacted my life in a positive way. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I’ve gotten bad looks.

Photo Of Samuele Ratta sitting on the stage.

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Pacific Tattoo: Reveal - Samuele Ratta

My favorite tattoo is hands-down my left sleeve. It’s comprised of the four animals for the four cardinal directions from Korea’s version of yin and yang.

Photo Of Jeffrey Lewis

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Pacific Tattoo: Reveal - Jeffrey Lewis

It wasn’t until I graduated tech school that I got my first tattoo and now, 12 years later, I have covered most of my left thigh.

Photo Of Lord Grim drawing a tattoo

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Pacific Tattoo: Artist’s take - Lord Grim

I got my first tattoo when I was like 12 or 13 years old (I kept it a secret from my parents). It was a garage-style tattoo from a friend with a nearly broken needle gun.

Photo Of Tiffany L. Andrews smiles.

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Talk to Tiffany: Supporting military families – Custody and co-parenting tips for military parents

April is the Month of the Military Child, and family law attorney Tiffany L. Andrews offers guidance for military parents navigating unique custody and co-parenting challenges

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