Latest news with #MisawaAirBase
Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Photos Show US Air Force Training for Pacific War
The United States conducted aerial refueling training earlier this month, deploying aircraft from bases across the Pacific to demonstrate the reach of its air power in the vast region. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The training exercise comes against the backdrop of the Pentagon's designation of the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," where China continues to challenge U.S. military dominance. The U.S. Air Force has deployed various types of aircraft-including stealth fighter jets, bombers, and spy planes-in allied Pacific nations near China, including at Kadena Air Base and Misawa Air Base in Japan, which serve as front line staging areas for power projection. While combat aircraft play a major role in both offensive and defensive operations, aerial refueling aircraft-also known as tanker aircraft-provide critical support, as shown during U.S. bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend. Aircrews assigned to Travis Air Force Base in California were deployed to Misawa Air Base in Japan with a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft-which has a fuel capacity of over 212,000 pounds-for off-station training, according to a U.S. Air Force news release on June 18. The U.S. West Coast-based tanker transited the Pacific and conducted aerial refueling with Misawa Air Base's F-16 fighter jets upon entering Japanese airspace, demonstrating what the U.S. Air Force described as "worldwide mission capability" to extend operational readiness. Aerial refueling serves as the critical enabler of air superiority, stated the U.S. Air Force. It is an indispensable capability for global operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where it is essential for mission execution. The ability to rapidly redeploy fighter aircraft and keep them fueled in flight is a cornerstone of strategy, as regional tensions and contingencies continue to evolve, the news release read. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, who serves as director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, said distance is the "greatest challenge" to projecting power in the Pacific, noting that the tanker took 10 hours to reach its destination. The KC-46A-which is also capable of carrying passengers and cargo, as well as performing medical evacuations-is equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive, and communication features that enhance its survivability in contested environments, according to an official fact sheet. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bradford Waldie, director of operations of the 14th Fighter Squadron, said in a news release: "Seeing the KC-46 successfully launch from Travis [Air Force Base] and meet us on time after a 10-hour sortie builds confidence in our ability to overcome the challenge of distance and deliver combat power anywhere it is required in the area of responsibility." The U.S. Air Force said in a news release: "The KC-46, the newest tanker aircraft in the Department of Defense, with advanced refueling systems and defensive capabilities, delivered critical fuel support to the F-16's midair-extending their range, preserving their combat readiness and reinforcing the Air Force's commitment to global power projection." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Air Force will forward-deploy some of its KC-46A aircraft to bases in the western Pacific to enhance overall operational flexibility. Related Articles US Citizens in Qatar Given 'Shelter in Place' WarningTimelapse Shows Global Ship Traffic in Hormuz Strait Under Iran ThreatIsrael Pounds Tehran, Strikes Fordow Again as Khamenei Appeals to PutinIran Makes Direct Plea to Putin After US, Israel Strikes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Photos Show Allied Jets Escorting US Bombers in New Frontline Drills
The United States conducted a drill with Japan, involving supersonic bombers and stealth fighter jets, to strengthen their deterrence amid an "increasingly severe security environment." Newsweek has emailed the Chinese and Russian defense ministries for comment. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Under the U.S. maritime containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain, aiming to restrict China's military access to the wider Western Pacific Ocean. Japan also faces nuclear and missile threats from North Korea and has a territorial dispute with Russia. Last month, four U.S. B-1B bombers were deployed to northern Japan as part of a Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, demonstrating America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to its allies and partners, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said. The deployment of American bombers, which are not nuclear-capable, comes after President Donald Trump questioned the reciprocity of the security treaty with Japan in March, stating, "We have to protect Japan, but under no circumstances do they have to protect us." The U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted a bilateral exercise on May 9 in the airspace over waters surrounding Japan, the Japanese Defense Ministry said. Officially released photos show a pair of U.S. B-1B bombers flying in formation with two Japanese F-35A stealth fighter jets over several undisclosed locations in Japanese waters. "This bilateral exercise reaffirms the strong intention between Japan and the United States not to tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force," the Japanese Defense Ministry explained, adding that the drill enhanced the alliance's readiness and response capabilities. In a Facebook post, Misawa Air Base said the exercise-described as a "Bomber Task Force joint integration training"-enhanced interoperability and demonstrated what it called a "united commitment" by the U.S. and Japan to regional stability and global security. The B-1B bomber has the largest payload of conventional weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory, capable of carrying up to 75,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. It has a top speed of Mach 1.2, traveling faster than the speed of sound, with an intercontinental flight range. Japan has acquired F-35A fighter jets from the U.S., its treaty ally, to bolster its air power. The aircraft are currently stationed at Misawa Air Base on the Pacific coast and at Komatsu Air Base, which faces the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in South Korea) to the west. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces said: "[Bomber Task Force] 25-2 showcases Allied strength and unity to deter aggression by showcasing its ironclad commitment to allies and partners while promoting peace, stability, homeland defense and keeping our forces mission-ready." Japan's defense white paper 2024 read: "The international community has entered a new era of crisis. It is now facing its greatest trial since the end of World War II. The existing order is being seriously challenged. Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional military aircraft to Japan. In addition to the bombers, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps recently deployed their stealth fighter jets-the F-35A and F-35B, respectively-to the Northeast Asian ally. Related Articles Biggest Arms Deal in History a Win for TrumpIran Prepares Forces for War As Doubt Hangs Over US Nuclear TalksHouthis Send Warning on Trump Middle East VisitPope Leo Issues Five-Word Message to the US 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
