Caught it!

U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Rex, the 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, snags a salmon during the opening catching demonstration to the 11th Annual Salmon Festival in Oirase, Japan, Nov. 19, 2016. After catching the salmon, event attendees learned how to properly fillet their prizes. The event included salmon racing, dozens of food booths and numerous music performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Donning the gloves

U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Rex, the 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, dons personal protective gear and waterproofing prior to joining several other regional Japanese leaders for the opening salmon catching demonstration to the 11th Annual Salmon Festival in Oirase, Japan, Nov. 19, 2016. After catching the salmon, event attendees learned how to properly fillet their prizes. The event included salmon racing, dozens of food booths and numerous music performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Opening salmon remarks

U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Rex, the 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, addresses attendees to the 11th Annual Salmon Festival in Oirase, Japan, during the opening ceremony Nov. 19, 2016. The annual event attracts Japanese and Americans alike from hundreds of miles away and is known regionally as the largest salmon festival in Northern Japan. Every year, a Misawa Air Base commander speaks at the event as an opportunity to thank the Japanese community for their ongoing support of U.S. operations in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

Misawa vice catches first salmon at annual festival

Published Nov. 21, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --