A crew chief from the 144th Fighter Wing stands alert until the F-16 Fighter jet has clearance to take off during RIMPAC 2012. The 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise is the twenty-third maneuver in a history of bi-annual drills that dates back four decades. The purpose of the exercise is to bring together nations to observe, train and exchange information that fosters a cooperative training environment. (Air National Guard photograph by MSgt. David J. Loeffler)