35th Fighter Wing

35th Fighter Wing. The 35th Fighter Wing is a combat-ready United States Air Force unit assigned to Pacific Air Forces and stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan. As the host wing for the only combined, joint-service base in the western Pacific, it operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is tasked with providing air superiority and precision strike capabilities. The wing has a distinguished history of combat operations spanning conflicts from the Korean War to the War in Afghanistan.

History

Activated in 1948 at Johnson Air Base in Japan, the wing initially flew the F-80 Shooting Star. It entered combat during the Korean War, with its pilots engaging in intense air-to-air battles over MiG Alley and providing critical close air support for United Nations ground forces. Following the Korean Armistice Agreement, the wing transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre and F-105 Thunderchief, and relocated to bases like Yokota Air Base and George Air Force Base. During the Vietnam War, the wing's squadrons, most notably the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, earned fame as "Wild Weasels," specializing in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses missions over North Vietnam. The wing later participated in Operation Desert Storm, employing advanced AGM-88 HARM missiles to neutralize Iraqi air defenses, and continued combat operations in subsequent conflicts including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mission

The primary mission is to execute sustained combat operations from Misawa Air Base to ensure air superiority and deliver precise airpower across the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. This involves maintaining a constant state of readiness for rapid deployment and conducting joint training exercises with allies such as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force. The wing also supports broader United States Department of Defense objectives in the region, including deterrence and security cooperation, while being prepared to provide expeditionary air support for global contingency operations as directed by United States Strategic Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Organization

The wing is composed of multiple groups and squadrons. The 35th Operations Group includes the 13th Fighter Squadron and the 14th Fighter Squadron, both flying the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. The 35th Maintenance Group provides aircraft generation and maintenance support, while the 35th Mission Support Group manages base infrastructure, security, and force support functions at Misawa Air Base. The 35th Medical Group offers comprehensive healthcare. The wing also maintains close operational integration with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 3rd Air Wing and hosts detachments from other United States Armed Forces branches, including the United States Navy and United States Army.

Aircraft

The wing's primary aircraft is the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, a versatile multirole fighter known for its agility and advanced avionics. These aircraft are equipped with modern systems like the AN/APG-68 radar and are capable of carrying a wide array of ordnance, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as JDAM precision-guided bombs. Historically, the wing has operated notable aircraft such as the F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom II during its "Wild Weasel" era, and the F-15 Eagle during the late 20th century before transitioning to the F-16.

Bases

The wing's primary and current home station is Misawa Air Base, located in Aomori Prefecture on the northern part of Honshu, Japan. This strategic location provides rapid access to potential hotspots in Northeast Asia. Previous home stations have included Johnson Air Base and Yokota Air Base in Japan, George Air Force Base in California, and Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. The wing has also deployed expeditionary squadrons to numerous forward operating locations such as Osan Air Base, Al Udeid Air Base, and Bagram Airfield during various combat operations.

Emblem

The wing's emblem, approved in 1952, features a shield with a black panther's head on a yellow field, symbolizing aggressiveness and courage. The panther is superimposed over a red arrowhead, representing the wing's speed and strike capability. The crest above the shield includes a cloud formation from the United States Air Force seal and a Korean taegeuk, acknowledging the unit's first combat in the Korean War. The motto scroll below bears the words "Attack to Defend," encapsulating the wing's offensive role in ensuring defense.