CSAF, CMSAF visit Misawa to advance readiness, sustain fifth-generation capabilities
During the visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe received updates on Misawa’s transition to fifth-generation fighter capabilities and integration of F-35A Lightning II aircraft to strengthen the defense of Northern Japan, which has evolved the generation of combat capabilities for the wing’s suppression of enemy air defenses mission.
“Right now, we’re in the midst of the most robust modernization of the entire Air Force,” said Wilsbach. “Modernization is just future readiness. That’s what we’re really working on, but we’ve got a lot to do.”
At an all call held during the visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe spoke about their three priorities: readiness, modernization, and taking care of Airmen and families.
Readiness, both for the unit and the individual, is essential to Wilsbach’s motto of “Fly, Fix, Fight.”
“We don't turn any wrenches and we don't take off any airplanes until the entire team does their part to get those jets in the air,” said Wilsbach. “That's why everybody's got a part of this - you just need to figure out what's your connection to that fly-and-fix mission, and then realize how important each of you are to be able to get aircraft in the air.”
Priority two, modernization, was a recurring theme throughout the visit. While a large portion of that modernization drive falls on the institutional level, Wilsbach encouraged Airmen to foster an environment and culture of innovation within their own workspaces, even when faced with risks.
“I’ve told all the commanders in the Air Force: take risks,” said Wilsbach. “Because our adversary is definitely taking risks, and if we don’t take risks ourselves, they’re going to pass us up.”
Finally, the discussion focused on priority three: taking care of Airmen and families. Not only Airmen’s own families, but those of their fellow Airmen. Wilsbach encouraged friends, supervisors and coworkers to reach out to check on each other, both deployed and at home station.
“You would not believe how meaningful that would be for somebody who came to Misawa,” said Wilsbach. “You know how that feels, you know how they feel. So be thinking about taking care of your fellow service members and their families.”
Bilateral demonstrations and shared base defense tactics during Exercise Keen Sword 2027 validate the joint force’s ability to maintain launch surfaces and sustain high-tempo flying operations. Misawa Airmen briefed the leaders on synchronized bilateral defense plans and joint fifth-generation integration, demonstrating a combined capability to defend Northern Japan.
“Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of why your job matters,” Wolfe said. “Serving in Japan puts you in one of the most consequential regions in the world. What we do here matters, and so does our relationship with Japan. That relationship isn’t just built through meetings between senior leaders. It’s built on flightlines, in shops, and everywhere our Airmen and Japanese allies work together. The better we know each other, the better we operate together, and the stronger we are when it matters most.”
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