MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - The 35th Fighter Wing resumed flying operations July 26, 2012, following a five-day review of the wing's F-16s. Col. Al Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing and Misawa Air Base installation vice commander, ordered a temporary suspension to flying operations after a Misawa-based F-16 developed a problem in flight that ultimately resulted in the pilot ejecting from the aircraft over the North Pacific Ocean on July 22.
Maintenance crews worked throughout the week to inspect all aspects of engines, fuel systems, flight controls, brakes, tires, tail hooks and ejection seats on the F-16s assigned to the wing. As a result, the wing determined its fleet of aircraft is operationally safe. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
