Misawa Air Base

Misawa Air Base at a glance

Misawa Air Base is a joint U.S.-Japanese installation with civilian airport use in Aomori Prefecture. The 35th Fighter Wing is its U.S. host organization, supporting defense of Japan and the preparation of deployable forces. The wing's public history associates its fighter mission with the Wild Weasel role, while its installation responsibilities also include maintenance, medical and community support.

Misawa is undergoing an aircraft transition. An April 2026 official announcement documented the arrival and induction of F-35A Lightning II aircraft as the wing began replacing its F-16 fleet. This makes older fact sheets useful for mission history but insufficient as a complete current aircraft list. Joint and bilateral training remains an important part of the base's public readiness story.

Also searched as: Misawa, 35th Fighter Wing, Wild Weasels.

Sources: 35th Fighter Wing; Misawa begins F-35A transition

Mission and major activities

• The 35th Fighter Wing prepares fighter forces and supports defense of Japan.
• Provides installation support within a bilateral, joint-service air base.

Sources: 35th Fighter Wing

Location and community

Misawa is beside Lake Ogawara in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan.

Sources: 35th Fighter Wing

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. For an overseas assignment, ask your sponsor about family travel authorization, required documents, medical screening, pets and vehicle shipment before making reservations.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official overseas moving resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: 35th Fighter Wing; Misawa begins F-35A transition

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Misawa Air Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Misawa Air Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. 35th Fighter WingSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note
2. Misawa begins F-35A transitionSupports: overview, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.