Newly installed aircraft arresting system maintains Yokota’s readiness Published Jan. 14, 2021 By Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Spalding 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- An F-16DJ Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan, approaches a barrier cable during the initial certification test of the newly installed flightline BAK-12 barrier, aircraft arresting system (AAS) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2021. The tail-hook latches onto the AAS cable which then rapidly decelerates the aircraft in the event of an emergency landing. Certifying the BAK-12 system gives Yokota’s airfield the ability to host fighter aircraft during contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Spalding)