News

Dec. 3, 2025
U.S. and Japan sister flights team up for bilateral flight

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse Ruter, a weapons systems officer assigned to the 18th Operations Group, joined Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots from the 204th Fighter Squadron for a bilateral flight at Naha Air Base, Japan, Nov. 19, 2025, strengthening the partnership between two allied air forces.
Dec. 3, 2025
Building bonds: 18th CEG families get a behind-the-scenes look at Kadena

From fire trucks to workshops, the families of the 18th Civil Engineer Group got a firsthand look at the people and places that keep Kadena Air Base running during a full-day family tour, Nov. 24, 2025.
Dec. 1, 2025
Air Refueling: Power beyond the horizon

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations with B1-B Lancers and F-35 Lightning IIs over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 27, 2025.The KC-135 is the premier long-term aircraft that provides aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S.
Nov. 27, 2025
Rucking together: U.S. service members unite for Norwegian Foot March on Okinawa

More than 300 service members from every branch of the U.S. military laced up their boots, shouldered rucks, and hit the pavement for the Norwegian Foot March at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2025.The 18.6-mile event challenged participants to complete the course while carrying a 24-pound
Nov. 26, 2025
BH 26-1: Readiness on the runway, Airmen hone rapid repair skills

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron enhanced their ability to restore flight operations through rapid airfield damage repair training during base-wide operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 6, 2025.
Nov. 25, 2025
Runway reforged: 18th Wing Airmen strengthen Kadena’s foundation for airpower

Airmen from the 18th Operations Support Squadron and the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron are teaming up to tackle one of Kadena’s most ambitious airfield repair projects of the year, strengthening the flight line that keeps airpower moving across the Indo-Pacific.
Nov. 25, 2025
German officials gain firsthand look at Kadena’s Indo-Pacific mission

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, welcomed Petra Sigmund, Director General for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the Federal Foreign Office, for a hands-on look at Kadena’s mission. From the flight line to the briefings, the visit strengthened cooperation with
Nov. 24, 2025
Tigers and Bats patrol Pacific skies: Joint force in motion: Marines and Airmen integrate over the Pacific

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron conducts aerial refueling with U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 20, 2025.
Nov. 24, 2025
New Zealand integrates with U.S. forces in Japan to enhance Indo-Pacific security

Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 5 Squadron recently deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025, to conduct routine maritime surveillance operations across the Indo-Pacific. The deployment supports the long-standing multinational mission under the United Nations Security Council
Nov. 24, 2025
Project Lima BEAN expands MQ-9 contingency capabilities

An MQ-9 Reaper launched into the night and returned safely without a runway, Oct. 8, 2025, marking a first-of-its-kind operation at Kadena Air Base, Japan.The 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron’s Project Lima BEAN — Blazing Egress Airfield Nonstandard — pushed the limits of unmanned flight
Nov. 23, 2025
Honoring our heroes: Kadena’s 2025 Veterans Day Parade

U.S. Air Force Airmen, families and community members participate in the 2025 Veterans Day Parade at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The community gathered to honor fallen service members and support veterans.
Nov. 18, 2025
F-15Es complete historic forward operations from Diego Garcia

F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron have rotated out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, concluding a six-month deployment that included a groundbreaking three-month forward operation to U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia.
Nov. 14, 2025
18th LRS deployment and distribution flight keeps kadena’s mission moving

As a passenger aircraft touches down at Kadena Air Base, Japan, more than 200 service members step off, ready to begin their rotation in the Indo-Pacific.
Nov. 14, 2025
BH 26-1: Aeromedical Evacuation: Taking Critical Care To The Skies

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a training flight aboard a C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, in support of operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 5, 2025.
Nov. 14, 2025
BH 26-1: Practice under pressure: 18th Wing exercises readiness

Members of the 18th Security Forces Squadron and 18th Civil Engineer Squadron responded to a simulated active shooter event during a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025. The scenario, as part of BH 26-1, tested Kadena’s ability to respond to threats, provide

News Search

News