Test cell Airmen ready engines for launch

The 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Airmen assigned to the engine test facility have one mission — to provide top-notch engines and repairs for Kadena Air Base and its pilots.

NFL Salute to Service comes to Kadena

Roquan Smith breaks a huddle with football camp participants during a visit to Kadena Air Base, June 23, 2023. Smith and Jonathan Abram visited Kadena as part of the National Football League’s “Salute to Service” program in coordination with the United Service Organizations to visit Airmen and learn

Always there: 100 years of aerial support

June 27 marks the 100th anniversary of the first air-to-air refueling test performed by U.S. Army Air Service Lts. Virgil Hine and Frank W. Seifert,who transferred gasoline through a hose between two DH-4Bs

Protecting Peace in the Pacific

Four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2B's fly alongside four U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II's over the Sea of Japan, June 16, 2023. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific alongside our Japanese allies, together acting as the cornerstone of regional security

909 ARS conduct Hot pit refuel with the 35th LRS

Members of the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron Petroleum Oils, and Lubricants flight, conduct a hot pit refueling of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan while 18th Wing 909th Air Refueling Squadron flight crew members monitor the procedure and relay fuel levels from the

18th CES, 3DMEDBN conduct snake handling SMEE

An akamata and hime habu snake are held up to differentiate their patterns during a subject matter expert exchange at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 13, 2023. This SMEE enabled the 18th Civil Engineering Squadron and 3d Medical Battalion to share expertise on pest management methods and increase

18th MXG wins AF level Daedalian Award

The 18th Maintenance Group was awarded the 2022 Maj. Gen. Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon Systems Maintenance Trophy at the Air Force level, distinguishing themselves as the U.S. Air Force unit with the best weapon system maintenance.

PACAF Command Chief Visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, speaks with the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. During his visit, Wolfe toured different facilities, recognized Airmen for excellent performance and

Lock and Unloaded

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron and 353rd Special Operations Wing position unload a payload using offload method B from a 353rd SOW C-130 Hercules at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2023. This offloading method helps reduce ground time of the C-130, the barrels help

Dirt Cheap Rapid Repairs

A U.S. Marine assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 opens a sack of cement during a joint rapid airfield damage repair exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 8, 2023. The concrete was used to fill in artificially made holes for the RADR training.

Kadena AAPIH hosts parade of AAPI Nations

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joanna Ho, 18th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Mental Health flight commander, gives a speech at the Parade of Asian American and Pacific Islander Nations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2023. Ho’s speech included stories, experiences and perspectives on being

Kadena hosts AF Chief of Safety & AF Safety Center Commander conference

F-35s dominate Pacific skies

The 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refueled U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, over the Pacific Ocean, May 23, 2023. Refueling missions extend the breadth of U.S. aerial capabilities throughout the

From survival to revival: overcoming abuse

Autumn’s partner promised he would change. Each time it happened he made the promise again and Autumn wanted to believe him. However, time was never enough. Whether it was a day to a couple weeks, the abuse always came back. Autumn eventually gathered the strength and determination to reclaim

Kadena hosts annual Shogun Spark Tank competition

The 18th Wing hosted the annual Shogun Spark Tank competition at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2023. Spark Tank competitions help the Air Force streamline processes by driving Airmen to examine capabilities and identify areas where improvement can be implemented.