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Category: Air Force

319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron shifting to Okinawa, Japan

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In a strategic relocation, the U.S. Air Force’s 19th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is moving its MQ-9 Reaper drones from Kanoya Air Base in Kyushu to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. The move marks a significant shift in regional reconnaissance capabilities and underscores the strong collaboration between the U.S. and Japan.

KANOYA, Japan (Nov. 5, 2022) An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircrafts, assigned to the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, taxis on the flight line during a demonstration flight, Nov. 5, 2022. U.S. Pacific Air Forces is deploying MQ-9 Reapers, a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft, and personnel to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base to conduct airborne reconnaissance operations in close coordination with the Japan Ministry of Defense. The presence of U.S. military personnel and assets in Japan supports our allies and partners by maintaining regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Broome)

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7th BW’s first BEAST-modified B-1B has flown

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On Sept. 8, 2023, a historic moment unfolded at Dyess Air Force Base as the first B-1B Lancer, transformed under the B-1 Embracing Agile Scheduling Team (BEAST) program, soared into the skies. This maiden flight signifies a monumental step forward for the B-1B, showcasing its adaptability and readiness for the future.

A B-1B Lancer aircraft takes off during a Bomber Agile Combat Employment exercise at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, December 12, 2019. Airmen with the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducted minimum regeneration time maintenance on the B-1B Lancer aircraft. During this time, they tested the ability to use Airmen from multiple career fields coming together to launch the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

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F-15C from California ensure continuous fighter presence at Kadena Air Base, Japan

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In a strategic move to maintain continuous fighter capabilities at Kadena Air Base, F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, have arrived in Japan. This deployment marks a critical phase in the return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air Base, California, arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, these National Guard Eagles will work in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft assets that are both augmented to and stationed at Kadena Air Base to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Arnold Air Force Base’s F-16 honors Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Harpe

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A prominent feature at Gate 2 of Arnold Air Force Base stands as a tribute to the late Major General Winfield S. Harpe – an F-16 Fighting Falcon, resplendent in its dedication to a distinguished career and a life devoted to the United States Air Force.

The static F-16 Fighting Falcon on display outside Gate 2 at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., is dedicated to Maj. Gen. Winfield Harpe. He was killed on Dec. 5, 1988, when the aircraft he was piloting crashed in Madrid, Spain. The display was dedicated in memory of Harpe during a June 26, 2010, ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kali Bradford)

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