U.S., Japan refine arctic capabilities during exercise North Wind 26
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cory McCloskey, right, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, and a U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, recover static lines after personnel drops jump during exercise North Wind 26 at the Hokkaido Large-Scale Exercise Area, Japan, Jan. 22, 2026. The operation required extensive coordination between air and ground forces across multiple services and nations. Planning for the mission spanned more than two weeks to synchronize aircraft, personnel, equipment, and timelines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)