Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 7 of 7]

Why It Matters

The drill showcases the Air Force’s push to integrate logistics and medical response, boosting operational resilience in the Pacific theater and signaling demand for advanced recovery and med‑tech solutions.

Key Takeaways

• 35th LRS conducted vehicle recovery and casualty drill
• Exercise held at Misawa Air Base, Japan
• Integrated recovery speeds combat force sustainment
• Simulated car wreck pulled from ditch
• Readiness boosted for contested environments

Pulse Analysis

The U.S. Air Force’s emphasis on combined logistics and medical training reflects a broader shift toward multi‑domain readiness. By pairing vehicle recovery with casualty care, units like the 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron can keep aircraft and personnel moving even when faced with obstacles or hostile fire. This integrated approach reduces downtime, preserves combat power, and aligns with the Department of Defense’s doctrine of rapid, survivable force projection.

At Misawa Air Base, the exercise demonstrated how a simulated car wreck can be extracted from a ditch while medics administer first‑aid, mirroring real‑world scenarios in the Pacific’s rugged terrain. The drill leveraged modern recovery equipment, such as winches and tow vehicles, alongside portable medical kits, highlighting the importance of interoperable tools. Such training not only sharpens crew proficiency but also validates the logistical chain that supports forward‑deployed fighter wings, ensuring they can sustain operations across contested islands and maritime corridors.

For defense contractors and technology providers, the event signals growing market demand for advanced recovery systems, autonomous tow platforms, and compact medical devices designed for austere environments. Allies in the region may adopt similar training models, fostering interoperability and joint readiness. As geopolitical tensions persist, the Air Force’s focus on integrated recovery and casualty capabilities will likely drive future procurement cycles, shaping the next generation of combat‑support equipment.

Combined Readiness: Inter-unit casualty and vehicle recovery exercise [Image 7 of 7]

Image 7 of 7

Photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench

35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN – 02 Oct 2026

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron (LRS) tow a simulated car wreck out of a ditch during an inter‑unit casualty and vehicle recovery exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 11 2026. By integrating vehicle recovery operations with life‑saving casualty care, the 35th LRS ensures the 35th Fighter Wing can rapidly move and sustain combat‑ready forces while overcoming obstacles in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)

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Image Information

| Date Taken | 02 Oct 2026 |

|---|---|

| Date Posted | 02 Nov 2026 20:30 |

| Photo ID | 9518675 |

| VIRIN | 260211‑F‑VQ736‑1373 |

| Resolution | 8148 × 5432 |

| Size | 7.06 MB |

| Location | MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP |

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Public Domain

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