Exercise Cope North 2016

Exercise Cope North 16 participants pose for a group photo, Feb. 10, 2016, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Cope North 16 includes nearly 3,000 personnel from six countries and continues the growth of strong, interoperable, and beneficial relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Fredericks/Released)

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Hirofumi Egusa, 3rd Fighter Squadron, climbs into the cockpit of a JASDF F-2 aircraft during Cope North 16, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 11, 2016. Japanese forces are among the 22 total flying units and nearly 3,000 personnel from six countries participating in CN16. The exercise aims to grow strength, interoperability and beneficial relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets. (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force photo by Sgt. Masahiro Kobayashi/Released)

A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force maintainer conducts pre-flight checks on JASDF F-2 aircraft from the 3rd Fighter Squadron during Cope North 16, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 11, 2016. Japanese forces are among the 22 total flying units and nearly 3,000 personnel from six countries participating in CN16. The exercise aims to grow strength, interoperability and beneficial relationships within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through integration of airborne and land-based command and control assets. (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force photo by Master Sgt. Yumi Kanai/Released)

A crew chief assigned to the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon, piloted by 1st Lt. Dave Takahashi, 13th Fighter Squadron, for takeoff Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. Cope North is an annual event that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and large force employment in an effort to enhance interoperability among forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines and New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, lineup on the flightline in preparation for a mission Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. Cope North’s large force employment training with allies strengthens free access to the global commons by enhancing air superiority, interdiction, electronic warfare, tactical airlift and aerial refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

1st Lt. Dave Takahashi, a 13th Fighter Squadron pilot from Misawa Air Base, Japan, prepares for takeoff Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. The annual training event provides an opportunity to test and develop more agile and flexible command and control systems among U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

Capt. Philip Downing, a 13th Fighter Squadron pilot from Misawa Air Base, Japan, taxis an F-16 Fighting Falcon onto the runway Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16s from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. Cope North is an annual event that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and large force employment in an effort to enhance interoperability among forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines and New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, performs preflight checks Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. Cope North enhances U.S. relations with regional allies and partners by demonstrating the U.S. Air Force’s resolve to promote security and stability throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, takes off for a training mission Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. The annual training event helps develop a common operating picture using U.S., Japanese and Australian airborne and land-based command and control assets, ultimately refining warfighter integration between militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)

Senior Airman Darion Hubbard, a 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief from Misawa Air Base, Japan, prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for takeoff Feb. 4, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Several F-16s from the 13th FS are deployed to Andersen AFB in support of Cope North 2016. Cope North is an annual event that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and large force employment in an effort to enhance interoperability among forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines and New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joshua Smoot)