Japanese maintenance crew members T/Sgt Hiroshi Saito(left) and T/Sgt Kenioki Sakamoto, 8th Combat Wing, 6th TF Squadron, Tsuiki AB, Japan, prepare their F2 for weapons upload during Cope North on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on Feb. 9, 2010. The United States Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conduct Cope North annually to increase combat readiness and interoperability, concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques, and procedures. The ability for both nations to work together increases their preparedness to support real-world contingencies. (USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin)