Congress authorizes paternity leave

Eligible Airmen are now authorized 10 days of nonchargeable paternity leave following the birth of their newborns, courtesy of the 2009 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress. The law applies to married, active-duty Airmen. The Airman's wife must have given birth to the

F-22As scheduled to deploy to Kadena

The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to deploy 12 F-22A Raptors to Kadena Air Base in January 2009 for approximately three months in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific. These deployments underscore the U.S. commitment to Japan as a vital regional partner and

Kadena Airmen participate in cultural ceremony at Chitose Air Base

For members of the 44th Fighter Squadron and 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese New Year celebration was a welcome end to a week-long training exercise. Five of the approximately 70 Kadena Airmen training at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's

Harlem Globetrotters dazzle Kadena

Kadena residents reminded about holiday lighting guidelines

Energy officials are reminding Kadena residents to be mindful of energy consumption this holiday season, especially when using holiday lights to decorate their homes and offices. This means observing holiday lighting hours, which run from dusk until 10 p.m. nightly. After 10 p.m. holiday lights must

Kadena officials offer holiday safety tips

Kadena safety, fire and emergency service officials encourage everyone to follow a few safety tips during the holiday season. "Electrical safety is a huge concern during this time of year," said Lorie Bellamy, 18th Wing ground safety manager. To avoid electrical fires, individuals should use only

Team Kadena volunteers keep holiday mail moving

The Kadena Post Office is requesting volunteers to keep the extra half million pounds of holiday mail moving smoothly. Every holiday season, the post office relies on 150 to 300 volunteers to help with the additional mail. Kadena's Assistant Postmaster, Tech. Sgt Brian Barlow, said without the

Cessna forced landing investigation report released

An investigation into the Oct. 24 forced landing of a Kadena Aero Club Cessna-172 near Nago City concluded that the accident occurred as a result of engine failure brought on by fuel starvation. In his report, the investigating officer determined the aircraft ran out of fuel in flight because of

Kadena Air Base improves playgrounds in family housing areas

A new project is underway in Kadena Air Base family housing areas to replace deteriorating playgrounds with newer facilities. "The civil engineers have taken a proactive interest in improving the playgrounds on base," said Jeff Noorda, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of base development.

Kadena Angel Tree brings holiday joy to military families

Angels are on the way to assist financially strapped military families this holiday season. A time-honored tradition on military bases, the Angel Tree program provides people with the opportunity to give gifts - mostly toys - to families that aren't able to afford them. The 18th Wing Chapel manages

Wanna make an Air Force commercial?

Senior leaders are asking Airmen to get behind the camera and submit a video for the next Air Force advertising campaign. The contest has begun and runs until Jan. 9. Airmen are encouraged to create a video depicting what their unit or they do to support the Air Force mission, as well as highlight

18th Wing earns four PACAF safety awards

The 18th Wing earned four Pacific Air Force Safety Awards for fiscal year 2008 and has been nominated for seven Air Force-level awards. Awarded annually, the PACAF safety awards recognize safety programs around the command for their dedication to safety and mishap-free operations. "This is an

44th Fighter Squadron trains with JASDF in Hokkaido

Pilots and maintenance personnel from the 44th Fighter Squadron and 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit arrived at Chitose Japan Air Self-Defense Force Base in Hokkaido Dec. 8 to participate in bilateral training with the JASDF 2nd Air Wing. Throughout the week, the Airmen will work side-by-side with

VIDEO: 18th Wing commander thanks Team Kadena for 2008 accomplishments

In a holiday video message Dec. 5, the commander for the Air Force's largest combat wing thanked his team for their accomplishments during 2008. 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, also highlighted the importance of the 18th Wing's mission to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific

Share your Team Kadena success stories with Hometown News

Airmen and Soldiers on Kadena can now share good news with family and friends back home through the Army and Air Force Hometown News program. The Hometown News program enables servicemembers to highlight awards, promotions, reassignments, deployments, graduation from military schools and other