Falcons on the Flightline

A U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. The Fighting Falcon is renowned for its fly-by-wire system, and exceptionally flexible design enabling it to excel worldwide in a range of both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

Pilots assigned to the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron complete post-flight checks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the Department of Defense’s continued commitment to enhancing our posture while building on the strong foundation of our Alliance with Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

Airman Bradley Derden, 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, conducts post-flight procedures on an F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, after arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. The base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

A 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief conducts post-flight procedures on an F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, after arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. The Fighting Falcon is renowned for its fly-by-wire system, and exceptionally flexible design enabling it to excel worldwide in a range of both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

A U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. While deployed here, the highly maneuverable multi-role F-16s will work in conjunction with Kadena-based assets and F-22A Raptors deployed from the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

Airman Bradley Derden, 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, conducts post-flight procedures on an F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, after arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. These aircraft will help ensure steady state U.S. Air Force fighter presence at Kadena Air base through the on-going phased return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

A 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief conducts post-flight procedures on an F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, after arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. The base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Falcons on the Flightline

Published Jan. 19, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 19, 2023. The Fighting Falcon is renowned for its fly-by-wire system, and exceptionally flexible design enabling it to excel worldwide in a range of both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)