Pacific Air Forces

All in: Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules drops a sand bag during a training mission at a bombing range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The training mission was a chance to practice large flight formations and showcase Yokota’s mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Lt. Col. Andrew Campbell, the director of operations, and Capt. Matthew Andrews, a mission commander, both with 36th Airlift Squadron, check the mission briefing for a large formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The surge tested wing’s capability to provide assistance anywhere within the Western Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Capt. Christopher Stapenhorst, 36th Airlift Squadron navigator, performs pre-flight check during a large formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Yokota launched total of ten C-130s to test its capability to assist anywhere in the Western Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Ten C-130s taxi on the runway during a large formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The C-130s flew towards the Aomori region, testing Yokota’s capability to launch aircraft and assist anywhere in the Western Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

C-130 Hercules' from the 36th Airlift Squadron sit on the flight line at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Ten C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron participated in a large formation training flight that tested Yokota's ability to perform large-force employment and tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Airmen perform a preflight inspection by a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Ten C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron participated in a training sortie that tested Yokota's ability to perform large-force employment and tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, pilots a C-130 Hercules over mainland Japan during a large formation mission on Oct. 22, 2013. The surge showcased Yokota’s capability to perform airlift operations in the Western Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim/released)

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Crew chiefs and loadmasters perform a preflight inspection by a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Ten C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron participated in a large formation flight that tested Yokota's ability to perform large-force employment and tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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Staff Sgt. Nicolas Alarcon, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, sets up a light payload on a C-130 Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Ten C-130 aircrews demonstrated their airlift capabilities during a large formation flight that showcased Yokota’s mission as the primary airlift hub in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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Capt. Christopher Stapenhorst, 36th Airlift Squadron navigator, uses the E6B Flight Computer, as known "Whiz wheel" to calculate ground speed, estimated fuel burn and updated estimated time of arrival in the air, Oct. 22, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

10 C-130 Hercules’ taxi down the runway before takeoff as part of a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts these flight operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

(Left to right) Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, Tech. Sgt. Ivory Wilds, 36th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, and Capt. Chance Hansen, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot, approach Yokota Air Base, Japan, after a surge flight, Oct. 22, 2013. The crew flew as part of a large formation flight that showcased Yokota’s mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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All in; Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules waits on the taxiway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The wing conducts surge operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota's mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Meagan Schutter/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, taxis to the front of a 10 C-130 Hercules formation during a training mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. During this mission, Team Yokota launched every aircraft currently stationed at Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

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Ten C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron taxi out for a training mission during a ten-ship sortie at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The training tested Yokota's ability to perform large-force employment and tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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Major Nicholas Pedersen, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks to a group of Airmen at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. A surge tests and shows the professional airlift capabilities Yokota has to offer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Meagan Schutter/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Ten C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron taxi out for a training mission during a ten-ship sortie at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The training tested Yokota's ability to perform large-force employment and tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

C-130 Hercules’taxi down the runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The C-130s from the 36th Airlift Squadron participated in a large formation mission, as Yokota tested its ability to quickly generate aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Danford/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Capt. Chance Hansen, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot, performs visually identification of another C-130 Hercules above mainland Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The C-130 aircrews demonstrated their airlift capabilities during a large formation flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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A C-130 Hercules takes flight from Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22,2013. Aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron were launched en masse as part of a large formation mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Danford/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, communicate with aircrews during a large formation flight above mainland Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The C-130 aircrews demonstrated their airlift capabilities during a surge flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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Chief Master Sgt. Manuel Roblesreynoso, the 374th Airlift Wing command chief, rides in a C-130 Hercules during a large formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Yokota showcased its ability to launch large-formation flights during when called to do so. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

(Left to right) Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, Tech. Sgt. Ivory Wilds, 36th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, and Capt. Chance Hansen, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot, approach Yokota Air Base, Japan, after a surge flight, Oct. 22, 2013. The crew flew as part of a large formation flight that showcased Yokota’s mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Capt. Matthew Andrews, 36th Airlift Squadron mission commander, stays vigilant during a flight mission over the Kanto Plains, Japan, on Oct. 22, 2013. The C-130s flew towards the Aomori region as part of a large formation mission, testing Yokota’s capability to launch aircraft and assist anywhere in the Western Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules drops a sand bag during a training mission at a bombing range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The training mission was a chance to practice large flight formations and showcase Yokota’s mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Washburn/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Airmen from the 374th Maintenance Group observe as 10 C-130 Hercules prepare to launch during a large-formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Preparing a large formation requires the combined efforts of all Yokota Airmen, working in tandem to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to provide support throughout the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules takes off past a UH-1 Huey during a large-formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. During this mission, Team Yokota launched every aircraft currently stationed at Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules prepares to launch during a large-formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Preparing a large formation requires the combined efforts of all Yokota Airmen, working in tandem to ensure aircraft and crews are prepared to provide support throughout the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Captain Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

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Tech. Sgt. Chris Baker, 374th Operations Group flight engineer, prepares to board a UH-1 Huey helicopter Oct. 22, 2013, during a large formation mission conducted at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts large formation flights to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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Capt. Ricky Hopkins, 459th Airlift Squadron UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot, waits for take off during a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts these large flight operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

UH-1 Huey helicopters wait on the runway for take off during a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts these flight operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

UH-1 Huey helicopters fly over Yokota Air Base, Japan, in formation to test Yokota's professional airlift capabilities during a large formation mission on Oct. 22, 2013. The wing conducts these flight operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Aircraft sit on the Yokota flightline as 10 C-130 Hercules’ wait to taxi to the runway in preparation to take off as part of a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts surge operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Aircrew with the 459th Airlift Squadron and 374th Operations Group preform pre-flight checks on a UH-1 Huey helicopter before take off during a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The wing conducts large formation flight operations to test its capability to prepare and launch multiple aircraft at the same time, highlighting Yokota’s mission as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for peacetime and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Stacy Moless/released)

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All in; Yokota launches the fleet

Aircraft wait on the taxiway prior to take off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. The aircraft were flown in a large formation to test Yokota's professional airlift capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Meagan Schutter/Released)

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All in; Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. Ten C-130's flew in formation practicing airlift tactics and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Meagan Schutter/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Airmen from the 374th Maintenance Squadron prepare 10 C-130 Hercules for a large formation mission at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 22, 2013. As the Western Pacific airlift hub, Yokota relies on its maintainers for continued mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Danford/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

A C-130 Hercules takes off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013. The aircraft participated in the mission as Yokota highlighted its mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David Danford/Released)

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All in: Yokota launches the fleet

Published Oct. 23, 2013
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Every aircraft assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan, was launched as part of a large formation mission Oct. 22, 2013. C-130 Hercules, UH-1 Hueys, and C-12 Hurons all launched during the mission as the installation showcased its ability to provide support as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific.