Team Misawa supported members of the 34th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron as they performed hot pit refueling maneuvers during a Bomber Task Force 25-1 mission at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 20-27, 2025.

Practicing hot pit refueling, a skilled technique where aircraft ground crews add fuel to an aircraft with engines still running, helps crews stay ready to enable assets to quickly take-off again during high demand operations, and is a commonly used procedure during Agile Combat Employment missions.

“Proficiency is our priority as we have a duty to provide safe, secure, effective, and ready strategic deterrence when called upon,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wasil, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “Deploying to the Indo-Pacific is an opportunity to assess our skillsets, adapt new tactics, and learn new procedures from collaboration efforts.”

The BTF missions are important to demonstrate U.S. power projection capability, a commitment to regional security by training alongside allies and partnered forces, and providing Pacific Air Forces a potent strategic deterrence effort that reinforces security, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The United States and Japan are committed to reinforcing extended deterrence efforts to promote regional stability and deter the possible conflicts. The ability to rapidly refuel and resume flight operations is a critical capability towards assisting any flying mission sustain response efforts for any incident or threat, with the goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific for all.