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  • Honoring Ancestors: Tradition of Shimi in Okinawa

    Each year in Spring, Okinawan families observe Shimi, a deeply rooted cultural tradition centered around honoring their ancestors. During this time, families come together to clean ancestral tombs, offer food and gifts, and gather in front of these sacred spaces. This custom is one of the most

  • A riveting refuel of 82nd RS RC-135 Rivot Joint

    A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron received aerial refueling by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron on March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence

  • U.S. Joint force continues to improve integration and investments at Kadena

    The 18th Wing, in partnership with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) continues to modernize key installation and airfield infrastructure towards improving force readiness and joint interoperability at Kadena Air Base, Japan. 

  • Fighting Falcons and Rocketeers rotate to Kadena

    The F-35A’s from the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska, and F-15Es from the 336th EFS, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina will be integrating with 18th Wing Operations and Maintenance groups along with U.S. allies across the Pacific.

  • Burning Questions with 18th MUNS

    Airman development days occur quarterly at the 18th MUNS, where leaders provide time to the junior enlisted for mentorship and downtime. For this specific event, Airmen participated in a hot wings challenge with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 18th Wing command chief, and Chief

  • 18th CES showcases CBRN ops to mission partners

    Emergency management specialists assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron showcased their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense capabilities to Japanese Self-Defense Force members at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2025. The Capability Response Exercise gave 24 JASDF

  • Road to America Fest 2025

    Kadena Air Base is opening its gates to the Okinawan community for America Fest, March 22-23, 2025, for the third year in a row. The event will be open from 1100 to 1900 both days.

  • 18 AES Brings Wings of Hope Across Pacific AOR

    High above the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, a KC-135 roars through the sky, its mission far different from the usual refueling runs. Inside, Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron scurry about the Stratotanker’s cabin, honing their vital skills during a training flight on Feb 12.

  • Investing in the enlisted

    The 18th Wing hosted a bilateral senior enlisted leadership conference at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 18, 2025.