KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp, 5th Air Force commander, visited the 18th Wing to hold the 5th AF Commander’s Conference April 4, 2023.
During the conference Rupp spoke with wing commanders from units across Japan about letter of engagement updates from the previous meeting, as well as giving guidance on communications with local leaders and Ministry of Defense personnel surrounding incident reporting. The team also spoke about contracts such as the Commercial Trucking Solution Contract, the largest ground transportation contract handled by the Air Force, which provides for timely and equitable transportation services throughout Japan (currently excluding Okinawa).
Additionally, 5th AF leadership attended a social event with local leaders from around Kadena, allowing one another to build connections and strengthen ties with host nation counterparts in the community.
The group also went on a tour of historical sites in Okinawa such as the former Imperial Japanese Navy Tunnel Headquarters and Peace Memorial park, gaining a better understanding of Okinawa’s history.