Briefing the boss

U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel House, left, the 35th Operations Support Squadron assistant director of operations, talks to Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, right, the U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. Draughon Range is the premier air-to-ground training site located in Japan, focusing on suppression of enemy air defense air operations. Members of the 35th Fighter Wing and other units throughout the Western Pacific train at the range to focus on SEAD and munition employment, combat search and rescue, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, ultimately enhancing the readiness and lethality of U.S. forces in this region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

What a view

A view from the tower at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. Draughon Range is the premier training site in Japan, used to enhance the lethality of U.S. aircraft to include the F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-130J Super Hercules and B-1 Lancer, among many others. These aircraft also train alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force members, increasing joint and bilateral readiness in order to maintain the defense of Japan. Draughon Range also provides the opportunity for explosive ordnance disposal and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape teams to train and enhance their capabilities by practicing their normal day-to-day operations as well as executing specialty training events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

On the road again

U.S. Air Force Col. Kristopher W. Struve, left, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, showcases Draughon Range to Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, right, the U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. Draughon range is the premier training site where Misawa’s F-16 Fighting Falcons employ inert munitions and defend against simulated surface-to-air threats. The range is also utilized by many other USFJ units, providing critical training to combat search and rescue, mobility and fighter units throughout Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

What you got there, Chief?

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Alsvig, the 35th Fighter Wing command chief, looks into a M2A2 aiming scope at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. The M2A2 aiming scope is the back-up scoring system for air-to-ground weapons employment for aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35. These jets use the range to enhance the training and readiness of Misawa’s fighter pilots, ensuring Team Misawa maintains its combat readiness and continues its mission of defending Japan and protecting U.S. interests in the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Eyes on target

The view inside a M2A2 aiming scope at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. The image depicts the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s impact point when dropping inert munitions. This premier range allows military forces to safely employ inert munitions, enhancing the readiness of Misawa’s F-16 Fight Falcon pilots and other U.S. personnel to maintain the defense of Japan. Draughon Range provides realistic training for pilots by simulating enemy detection and attacks with threat emitters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Observing lethal capabilities

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner Jr., left, the U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, right, the Fifth Air Force command chief, observe the range from a tower at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2020. Winegardner and Kruzelnick noted the capabilities of the range and the role it plays in the training of the suppression of enemy air defense mission to Misawa aviators, specifically. The SEAD mission requires a pilot’s ability to put bombs on target and defend against surface-to-air missiles to ensure the protection of U.S. assets and personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class China M. Shock)

Draughon Range warriors showcase site’s training capabilities to the 5th Air Force command team

Published June 3, 2020
By Airman 1st Class China M. Shock
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --