Kadena EOD techs receive combat action medals from Lt. Gen. Rice

During a recent visit to Kadena Air Base, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Edward Rice Jr., presented two Airmen with the Air Force Combat Action medal. Staff Sgt. Daniel Sepsey and Senior Airman David Dezwaan, both explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 18th Civil

RIMPAC: Air, sea superiority on demand

The 44th Fighter Squadron will project six F-15C Eagles and 90 maintenance personnel to participate in this summer's RIMPAC war games--the world's largest multinational naval exercise--integrating with more than 20 squadrons from all military services in large scale air engagements and naval

Eye on fitness: Risner offers TRX

There are all sorts of ways people get into, and stay in shape.Some people preach running, others say weights, and some say that yoga and pilates does the trick. Then there are those who say to do a little of everything. In that same spirit of trying a little bit of everything, the Risner Fitness

Kadena, Okinawa MFH water quality reports released

The 2009 Consumer Confidence Reports for Kadena's water are available at http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/communitynotes.asp. The CCRs are intended to increase consumer knowledge of drinking water quality, sources, susceptibility, treatment, and drinking water supply management. People may also pick

BX parking lot construction progressing

The days of circling the BX parking lot repeatedly, looking for a parking spot are nearing the end. A new section right in front of the store opened up June 26, alleviating much of the congestion, and more relief is on the way.A section of parking next to the Pentagon Federal Credit Union is

Lt. Gen. Rice visits Kadena one last time as USFJ, 5th AF commander

The commander of U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force, Lt. Gen. Edward Rice Jr., and his wife, Teresa, visited Kadena Air Base as part of the couple's final tour of Okinawa before they leave to take the helm of Air Education and Training Command.Their visit to Kadena focused on people, as evidenced

DoDDS issues bus pass guidance for coming school year

Department of Defense Dependent Schools officials are asking parents to take the time to re-register their student with their respective schools and then to register with the Transportation Office. Nearly 85% of our student population has been registered thus far, and DoDDS officials are making a

Shoguns welcome new operations group commander

A University of Colorado alumnus and two-time Distinguished Flying Cross recipient assumed command of the 18th Operations Group during a ceremony June 28 in the AWACS Hangar here at Kadena Air Base.Colonel David Nahom took command from Col. Ronald Banks, who served as the 18th OG commander since

Wing vice commander has final flight

Colonel Lenny Richoux, 18th Wing vice commander, flew his final sortie as a Shogun June 25 as part of a fomation of four KC-135 Stratotankers.Photojournalist Senior Airman Amanda Grabiec was on the flightline to capture his last flight at Kadena. The colonel will assume command of the 6th Air

Sentry of the skies

18th MDG welcomes new commander

Col. Barbara King took command of the 18th Medical Group from Col. Frederick Schaefer during a change of command ceremony at the Rocker NCO Club June 25. Colonel King recently served as the Director of Dental Programs and Resources for the Air Force Medical Support Agency at Bolling Air Force Base

Opening Gate 4 at Kadena easing traffic, adding convenience

Kadena Air Base has a population of more than 20,000 servicemembers and civilians. Obviously, this can cause heavy traffic at the gates. Marine Lance Cpl. Nate Carberry explains how the opening of one of the previously-closed gates is making trips to and from Kadena more convenient.

Security Forces keep Kadena safe

The men and women of the 18th Security Forces Squadron are charged with securing Kadena Air Base's perimeter, as well as maintaining order inside the fenceline. After 13 weeks of technical training, Security Forces airmen are ready to protect and serve miliatry members at duty stations across the

Voluntary separation, retirement deadlines near

As the window to voluntarily separate or retire closes, Air Force officials urge Airmen impacted by force management who are interested in transitioning from the active-duty force to do so quickly before the cutoff dates later this month."Volunteering ahead of retention boards will give officers

Okinawa Expressway goes toll-free June 28

Travelers on Okinawa's Expressway will have a little more money in their pockets starting June 28 when the requirement to pay tolls is eliminated. According to Nihon Expressway Company Okinawa Branch, the toll-free expressway is a pilot program for that will run until March 31, 2011. Although the