Overview
- The 13th Fighter Squadron received four F-35A jets Saturday, beginning the 35th Fighter Wing’s shift from F-16s.
- The jets are permanently based at Misawa to fly the Wild Weasel mission, which targets enemy air-defense radars and missiles.
- Three aircraft transferred from Hill Air Force Base in Utah and a fourth came from RAF Lakenheath after a stop at Hickam in Hawaii.
- The basing is part of a Pentagon plan worth more than $10 billion that fields 48 F-35As at Misawa and introduces F-15EX fighters at Kadena alongside existing Marine and Navy F-35 units.
- Aomori officials reported the arrival time and warned that F-35 noise could exceed F-16 levels, urging steps to protect daily life for Misawa residents.