Kadena employs sustainable, decisive airpower in the Pacific

Kadena Air Base, Japan recently earned the 2023 Secretary of Defense Environmental Sustainability, Non-Industrial Installation Award for outstanding achievements in the Department of Defense environmental programs. The Sustainability, Non-Industrial Installation Award recognizes efforts by a DoD

Codifying a Legacy: Training, Learning, Preserving

Over the white skies and snowy mountains of Switzerland, a helicopter hovers over a man trapped on the mountainside. A pararescueman is lowered to the man’s aid. That same day was the pararescueman’s first day of training. Pararescue units train regularly in simulated environments which is

2023 Balikatan CE SME exchange

To maintain a strong relationship and increase interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, 18th Wing Airmen with the 18th Civil Engineer Group engaged in a four-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange event with the Philippines air force’s 355th Aviation Engineer Wing from Apr. 10 to Apr. 14, 2023. The group

Kadena Shoguns face off with Japan & U.S. teams at 2023 Dragon Boat Races

A Japanese team competes in the 2023 Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races in Naha City, Japan, May 5, 2023. Teams from Kadena Air Base joined other U.S. and Japanese boat teams in the first races held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Raymond Geoffroy)

33rd RQS conducts nighttime deck landing

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk with the 33rd Rescue Squadron lands on the deck of a U.S. Coast Guard vessel during nighttime training off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2023. The training allows naval and flying units to coordinate and conduct operations with limited visibility. (U.S. Air

General Rupp flies with the 961st AACS

Team Kadena hosts 2nd Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk

The 18th Wing recently hosted the 2nd Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 7, 2023. The mental health awareness walk was started by the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron last year after a squadron member committed suicide. The goal of the event was to bring in mental

USMC, USAF hot-pit during Katana Strike

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Seth Anderson, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 power line plane captain, oversees an F-35B Lightning II conduct hot-pit refueling at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 2, 2023. Joint training gives service members the opportunity to build trust and solve complex tactical problems

909th AMU crew chiefs keep Stratotankers in business

In service for over 40 years, the KC-135 Stratotanker provides long-range aerial refueling support for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft, and has the capacity to offload 6,500 pounds of fuel per minute. The 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit provides combat ready air refueling

909th ARS refuels KFT

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II and U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fly alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Korea Flight Training Apr. 21, 2023. KFT is a regularly scheduled training event designed to enhance the combat readiness of U.S.

18th Wing commander conducts CSAR training

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk lands at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 27, 2023. The 33rd RQS maintains readiness for the mobilization, deployment and employment of helicopters, as well as the rescue of civilian personnel, U.S. and allied military members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st

America Fest 2023 returns to Kadena

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Kadena Air Base opened its doors to the Okinawan community for the first America Fest in nearly a decade, April 22-23, 2023.

Kadena air park restoration saves Air Force heritage, dollars

Working with a local business, Team Kadena preserved an irreplaceable piece of Air Force history and saved approximately half a million dollars in the process as it accomplished a six-month restoration of Kadena Air Base’s air park.

Suicide survivor shares story of resilience with Airmen

Kevin Hines, a motivational speaker and suicide attempt survivor, talks with Airmen and civilians at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 19, 2023. Hines explained that everyone has struggles and encouraged Airmen to leverage their support groups and outlets to find help. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman

Additional Strike Eagles arrive to aid Kadena Eagle phased return

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 391st Fighter Squadron out of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on April 22, 2023, to ensure continuous fighter presence through the phased return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the U.S.