JAPAN
U.S. Air Force Airman Michael Vargas Chavez, 35th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment specialist, tightens hardware on an external fuel tank during Nestable Fuel Tank Build Up (NFTBU) training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2026.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angelica Winther)

U.S. Air Force Airman Michael Vargas Chavez, 35th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment specialist, tightens hardware on an external fuel tank during Nestable Fuel Tank Build Up (NFTBU) training at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2026. By training maintainers from multiple specialties to support fuel tank assembly, NFTBU increases maintenance flexibility and strengthens the 35th Fighter Wing’s ability to generate combat airpower across the Pacific.

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now