Kadena Air Base News

1st SOS conducts Flight of the Flock

Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:42:46 GMT

Seven 1st Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando II aircraft conducted “Flight of the Flock” off the coast of Okinawa, Japan Jan. 6, 2022. “Flight of the Flock” is a rare training opportunity designed to challenge the pilots and aircrew on conducting operations as efficiently as possible.

18th MUNS Clears Shrines for Okinawan Residents

Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 22:44:29 GMT

U.S. Airmen from 18th Munitions Squadron cleared paths to and cleaned up shrubbery in front of shrines at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 15, 2021. Members of the Okinawan community usually would clear the paths and shrines themselves but due to COVID-19 haven't been able to. The Airmen who tackled this project expressed appreciation for being able to spend the day doing a favor for the Okinawan community.

909th ARS Support Operation Iron Dagger

Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:46:11 GMT

A 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker refueled U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 354th Air Expeditionary Wing over the Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Iron Dagger at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 8, 2021. During Iron Dagger, the U.S. Air Force integrated with the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning IIs from Marine Aircraft Group 12 to strengthen partnerships and enhance joint capabilities, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Destroying explosives, improving interoperability

Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 06:24:10 GMT

The 18th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight disposed of 930 unserviceable grenades with the help of Marines and Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts. Fostering bilateral relationships between U.S. EOD technicians and JASDF counterparts ensures increased interoperability.

Kadena's Young Tigers Fuel Bilateral Training

Airman 1st Class Moses Taylor — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:31:00 GMT

Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2A aircraft received fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base’s 909th Air Refueling Squadron alongside USMC F/A-18C Hornets while participating in a simulated maritime strike mission. The simulated maritime strike was coordinated by U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers operating a Bilateral Ground Tactical Coordination Center as part of a bilateral rehearsal of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 06:53:41 GMT

The 18th DS recently began using digital scanners to create orthodontic models with 3D printers. Traditional dental impressions are obtained by placing dental putty in the mouth of a patient, which can be more time-consuming and less accurate compared to a digital impression.

Forging bonds across the seas for a more safe, secure Indo-Pacific

Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 06:17:47 GMT

Members from the 390th Intelligence Squadron showed flight crews from the Royal Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force around their squadron's building and around a U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2021.

Aerospace propulsion flight keep the engines running

Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 01:42:00 GMT

The 18th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion flight repairs and rebuilds aircraft engines, ensuring Kadena can deliver unmatched combat airpower in support of the U.S. interests, the defense of Japan, and peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Get to the Choppa, it’s time for a Turkey Shoot!

Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:34:23 GMT

The 33rd Rescue Squadron took part in the Turkey Shoot at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2021.The Turkey Shoot is a friendly, base-wide competition that takes place once a year and allows units like the 33rd RQS to perform their duties in different scenarios.

F-15C Eagles get refueled during Turkey Shoot

Airman 1st Class Cesar J. Navarro — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:15:11 GMT

The 909th Air Refueling Squadron's KC-135 partook in this year's Turkey Shoot, refueling F-15C Eagles over the Pacific Ocean. The Turkey Shoot is a base-wide competition, allowing units to practice combat procedures in different circumstances.

Hawk eyes: 33rd Rescue Squadron training for readiness

Senior Airman Jessi Monte — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 07:38:00 GMT

U.S Air Force 1st Lt. Trent Badger, 33rd Rescue Squadron co-pilot, checks an HH-60G Pave Hawk prior

18th Wing season's greetings

Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 01:06:50 GMT

Hosted by the 18th Force Support Squadron, Season’s Greetings holiday card unit contest participants decorated a 6-by-4 foot sheet of plywood to be evaluated by a panel of judges. The winners of the contest will be announced during the 18th FSS' Tinsel Town event on Dec. 4, 2021.

USAF, JASDF, CNRJ partnership heats up

Staff Sgt. Savannah L. Waters — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:04:36 GMT

Japan Air Self-Defense Force firefighters observe joint training with Commander, Navy Region Japan

Weapons load crews stay armed and ready

Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:49:18 GMT

The quarterly weapons load competition pits the 67th AMU, “Fighting Cocks” against the 44th AMU “Vampire Bats” in a friendly competition of skill. These events sharpen the skills of the Airmen competing, allowing Kadena to deliver unmatched combat airpower to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region

Connecting Kadena to the Indo-Pacific

Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:21:08 GMT

Every day Airmen wake up and put on their uniform to perform a job essential to executing the mission. While getting the mission done is critical, understanding the strategic environment in which Airmen serve is equally important. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Begeman, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight chief, has made it his mission to equip Kadena service members with the knowledge and resources to better understand their impact in the Pacific. Begeman does this by briefing Airmen on topics such as the National Defense Strategy and international relations at the McDaniel Center.

VORTAC: Kadena’s Beacon of Hope

Airman 1st Class Moses Taylor — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:52:00 GMT

U.S. Air Force and Navy members worked together to install an antenna on the Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air Control system at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2021. The VORTAC system is used to aid civil and military aircraft in navigation.

MOPP sortie generation during ATSO training

Senior Airman Jessi Monte — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Airman 1st Class Samuel Graeser, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, decontaminates an F-15C

Joint training: safe at sea

Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 07:00:15 GMT

31st Rescue Squadron pararescuemen conduct hoist operations aboard the Landing Craft Utility, Fort McHenry, Nov. 10, 2021. This training consisted of a simulated patient needing to be exfiltrated aboard a vessel at sea, testing the aircraft pilot’s and ship captain’s ability to communicate effectively in order to conduct the rescue operation.

Pharmacy personnel care for Kadena's health

Airman 1st Class Anna Nolte — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 06:20:00 GMT

The pharmacy at Kadena fills approximately 2,500 prescriptions every week, helping maintain a fit and health force ready to deliver airpower any time, any place.

Multi-capable Airmen integration with JASDF

Senior Airman Jessi Monte — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:06:00 GMT

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Sunao Matsumoto, right, 9th Air Wing base supply commander,