Airman 1st Class Connor Perkins, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant dedicated crew chief, communicates with a pilot during a super surge exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 19, 2021. Surge operations provide aircrew and support personnel the opportunity to hone the skills necessary to maintain a ready force, capable of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)