Misawa jets launch to Cope North

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luis Torres-Belardo, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, talks to a pilot before taxing an F-16 Fighting Falcon to the runway for a flight to exercise Cope North at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, 2012. More than 10 aircraft left Misawa to participate in the exercise at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Misawa jets launch to Cope North

The first F-16 Fighting Falcon destined for exercise Cope North lifts off the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, 2012. More than 10 F-16s from Misawa will participate in an exercise scheduled to last more than two weeks at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Misawa jets launch to Cope North

Published Feb. 14, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Approximately 10 aircraft from the 35th Fighter Wing launched to participate in exercise Cope North, Feb. 10.

Cope North is being held at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The exercise, scheduled to last more than two weeks, is a trilateral, multinational exercise designed to enhance air operations between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian air force.

"We're excited about going," said Capt. Thomas Fugler, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot. "We will be able to participate in a large-force exercise, and that's a big deal for us."