The 18th Wing has the unique distinction of being the only wing never stationed in the United States. 18th Wing heritage began on Jan. 21, 1927, when the War Department activated a provisional pursuit group at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii . Shortly thereafter the group was re-designated the 18th Pursuit Group. The Imperial Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941, severely hurt the group--its only two P-40 Warhawks to get airborne were immediately shot down, and the rest of the group's aircraft were heavily damaged. On May 15, 1942, with new aircraft, the War Department again re-designated the group as the 18th Fighter Group. Read Kadena's full history.
18th Wing Key Leadership 
