6/15/2012 - An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron launches during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-16 is a compact, highly maneuverable fighter aircraft, vastly proven in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)

6/15/2012 - A row of A-10 Thunderbolts II sit quietly before the day starts during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, two-week-long exercise that allows joint and coalition partners to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures as well as improve interoperability. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is assigned to the 25 Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)

6/15/2012 - Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles fly in formation during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A is a multi-service, multi-national coordinated aerial combat operations exercise designed to test operational capabilities of participating units. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)

6/15/2012 - A Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15J Eagle launches from the runway during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The two-week-long exercise takes place within the Joint Pacific Range Complex, a 67,000 square-mile training range. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)

6/15/2012 - An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. More than 2.500 people and 100 aircraft are participating in the two-week exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)

6/15/2012 - A KC-135R Stratotanker launches from the runway during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The support the Stratotanker provides during aerial-refueling is vital to the success of the U.S. and coalition forces participating in RF-A. The Stratotanker is assigned to the 931st Air Refueling Group, 22nd Air Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)