Hurricane Sandy

Tech. Sgt Chris Becyar, from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a WC-130J Hercules in preparation for a weather reconnaissance mission into Hurricane Sandy Oct. 29, 2012, at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. The 53rd WRS conducted weather reconnaissance missions in preparation for Hurricane Sandy making landfall along the Eastern coastline of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson)

Hurricane Sandy

A WC-130J Hercules crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron walk to their aircraft for a weather reconnaissance mission into Hurricane Sandy Oct. 29, 2012, at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. The 53rd WRS conducted weather reconnaissance missions in preparation for Hurricane Sandy making landfall along the Eastern coastline of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Robertson)

Arizona, Japanese Partnership

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Keisuke Ueda pre-flights an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a training sortie at Tucson International Airport, Ariz., Feb. 22. Ueda is one of three Japanese students currently enrolled in F-16 initial pilot training at the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dave Neve)

Arizona, Japanese Partnership

Japan Air Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Keisuke Ueda pre-flights his helmet with the help of Staff Sgt. Luis Aguilar, an aircrew flight equipment specialist at the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport, Feb. 22. Ueda is one of three Japanese students currently enrolled in F-16 initial pilot training here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dave Neve)

Waldo Canyon Fires

Tammy Rich gathers personal belongings from her vehicle June 29, 2012, after residents were allowed to return to their homes at the Air Force Academy, Colo. Rich and her family, along with all everyone else residing on the Academy, were forced to evacuate their homes because of the Waldo Canyon fire that was threatening the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brad Sisson)

Academy firefighters battle Waldo Canyon fire

Tech Sgt. Jason Linta, Bobby Garza and Dean Prestia cut lines to create a firebreak to prevent fires from jumping at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., on June 28, 2012. Sergeant Linta is a firefighter assigned to the Academy and Garza and Prestia are firefighters assigned to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The Waldo Canyon fire has destroyed more than 18,000 acres in the Colorado Springs area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)