18th AES keeps skills sharp with airborne training

Members of the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted airborne training with the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 10, 2022. Vital to the heartbeat of Kadena, the 18th AES’ mission is to provide support for medical operations in wartime, during contingencies, and

Joint forces train to fight at night

Joint forces conducted a nighttime helicopter assault raid training mission in a central training area on Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2022. Integration of U.S. Army, Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy components increased interoperability and preparation for operations in the Indo-Pacific

Historical Military Working Dog Certification

Shitetsu Hirata, 18th Security Forces Squadron civilian guard, and his military working dog, Hank, performed a bomb detection certification in front leadership at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2022. Hirata is the first CG to be fully certified as a MWD handler at Kadena Air Base, deepening the

Lt. Gen. Place visits 18th Med Group

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, Defense Health Agency director, spoke at an all-call and visited the 18th Medical Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May, 12, 2022. Place answered questions from the congregation and had a first-hand look at the advancements taking place at the 18th Medical Group.

Diving in with the Kadena FSS

An 18th Force Support Squadron Venture dive charter boat transported scuba divers from the Kadena Marina out into the Pacific Ocean, April 22, 2022. The 18th FSS provides community wellness and resiliency activities, family and readiness support to the 22,000 military members, DoD civilians,

909th ARS fuels Kadena’s Eagles

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receive fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, May 10, 2022. The 909th ARS plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, providing aerial refueling so Kadena

Fueling seamless partnerships

The 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, recently conducted joint training with F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Republic of Korea. U.S. forces remain committed to the defense of our allies and their sovereign territories, in accordance with defense treaty

909th Air Refueling Squadron fuels the RF-A 22-1 fleet

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, supports RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 by conducting refueling over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 5, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the

Let the games begin: Dorm Olympics strengthen morale and camaraderie

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Being a new Airman can be tough, especially when your first duty station is overseas. With the initial hardship that comes from being so far away from home for the first time in one’s life, paired with tackling a new skill set at a new job, finding time to make new friends

320th STS trains boat rescue capabilities

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, rappel from a U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk during water operations training at White Beach Naval Facility, Japan, May 4, 2022. The training tested maritime search and rescue capabilities as well as familiarity with combat

Kadena receives PACAF’s Outstanding Unit Award

As the largest combat wing in Pacific Air Forces, Kadena Air Base strives for excellence in delivering decisive air and cyberspace capabilities, and that excellence was once again recognized by PACAF. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award recognizes units for exceptionally meritorious service or

AFE preps aircrews for takeoff

Airmen from AFE support the 18th Wing by providing aircrew members with gear to effectively and safely conduct training and perform real-world missions. Duties performed by AFE Airmen includes inspecting, maintaining, packing and adjusting flight equipment such as flight helmets, oxygen masks and

Kadena Defenders conduct dismounted patrol

18th CES, MWSS-172 keep Futenma on track

18th Civil Engineering Squadron and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 Marines completed a track renovation on Camp Futenma, April 26, 2022. This project was also an opportunity to train both the Airmen and Marines on heavy equipment operations.

USFJ Command Team, U.S. Ambassador visit Okinawa

The U.S. Forces of Japan command team and the U.S. Ambassador of Japan visited Okinawa to discuss quality of life issues for the armed forces stationed there and their families on April 28, 2022. A few of the topics discussed were spousal employment and healthcare, child daycare and development