RED FLAG-Alaska 11-2 gets underway at Eielson

An F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis to the runway as another F-16 Fighting Falcon Aggressor launches during RED FLAG-Alaska 11-2 July 11, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A allows participating units to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures as well as improve interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

Testing 1,2, F-35

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Navy Cmdr. Erik Etz speaks to U.S. Army Capt. Charles Spears about the capabilities of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter sensor in JBER, Alaska, June 14, 2011. The sensor was brought to Alaska for testing during Exercise Northern Edge 11, Alaska's largest military training exercise. The exercise is designed to prepare joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rufus Hucks)

Testing 1,2, F-35

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON, Alaska -- U.S. Army Capt. Charles Spears (left) listens as Pete Bartos (center) and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Erik Etz (right) discuss the capabilities of the F-35 Joint Strike fighter sensor in JBER, Alaska, June 14, 2011. The sensor was brought to Alaska for testing during Exercise Northern Edge 11, Alaska's largest military training exercise. The exercise is designed to prepare joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rufus Hucks)

U.S. Airmen, Indonesian Paratroopers prepare for first Cope West mission

HALIM AIR BASE, Indonesia -- A C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, carrying 22 Indonesian paratroopers prepares to take off on the first mission of Exercise Cope West 11 at Halim Air Base, Indonesia, June 20, 2011. Three Yokota C-130 aircraft and more than 70 Yokota airmen, as well as one Indonesian Air Force C-130 participate in this week-long bilateral field training exercise which is designed to enhance the readiness and combined interoperability between the U.S. and Indonesian Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)

Northern Edge 2011 gears up at Eielson AFB

An F-15E Strike Eagle taxis on the ramp after completing the first sortie of NORTHERN EDGE 2011 June 13, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. NORTHERN EDGE 2011 is a joint training exercise designed to practice operations, techniques and procedures, and enhance interoperability among the services. The Strike Eagle is assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

PACAF demo team certified to perform

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Jon Crocker, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, left, performs an aircraft brakes functional checkout as Staff Sgt. Chad Miller, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, relays the information to the pilot May 10. One of the team's charters is to present a positive, professional image of the United States Air Force to the people of the Western Pacific by making personal contact with host nation people on and off the flightline while showing support for the host government through the U.S. presence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marie Brown/Released)