By Senior Airman Quay Drawdy, 18th Wing Public Affairs / Published March 21, 2018
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Case Cunningham, 18th Wing commander, right, speaks with Osamu Onoda, Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association tour leader, during a visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 13, 2018. Members of the JAAGA visited Kadena AB to foster relations between the U.S. military and our Japanese allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
Members of the Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association are shown an HH-60G Pavehawk during a tour of Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 14, 2018. Members of the JAAGA visited Kadena AB to foster relations between the U.S. military and our Japanese allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Air Force Airmen and members of the Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association pose for a photo in front of an F-35A Lightning II during a base tour March 14, 2018, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The visiting JAAGA members were shown different units and aircraft from around Kadena AB by the 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Case Cunningham. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Brandon Krupa, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, shows members of the Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association a KC-135 during a tour March 14, 2018, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The visiting JAAGA members were shown different units and aircraft from around Kadena AB by the 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Case Cunningham. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Quay Drawdy)
The JAAGA tour, held every two years, helps to build and maintain relationships between retired Japan Air Self-Defense for general officer and colonel equivalents with senior leaders at Kadena AB.
“Our alliance has precious meaning for providing peace and economic prosperity within the region,” said Osamu Onoda, JAAGA tour leader. “We appreciate and respect you, members of the U.S. military, for your dedication to the region.”
Members toured the installation with Brig. Gen. Case Cunningham, 18th Wing commander, visiting aircraft and maintaining open, friendly communication throughout the visit.