Lightning Strikes at Kadena

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, departs Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena Air Base conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and supports U.S. efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Jessi Roth)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron takes off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug 11, 2023. Kadena is committed to providing world-class support to strengthen regional alliances and partnerships, as well as U.S. forces’ readiness to respond when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Gilmartin, a pilot assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, climbs up to the cockpit of an F-15E Strike Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena serves as the Keystone of the Pacific and its location allows U.S. Pacific Forces and partner nations to work through interoperability challenges across joint, multinational, and multi-domain operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Jessi Roth)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Gilmartin, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, signals to ground crew members at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena is committed to providing world-class support to strengthen regional alliances and partnerships, as well as U.S. forces’ readiness to respond when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Jessi Roth)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Gifford, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter pilot assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron and U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel Simmons, 336 FS weapons systems officer, perform final checks before take off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug, 11, 2023. Kadena Air Base conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan, as well as US efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel Simmons, 336th Fighter Squadron weapons systems officer, performs a final inspection before take off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug 11, 2023. Kadena Air Base is the hub of air-power in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units that form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force pilots walk toward a USAF F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, on the Kadena Air Base, Japan, flightline, Aug. 11, 2023.These visiting aircraft will conduct missions to enhance operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron greet the crew chiefs responsible for keeping their fighter jets action-ready at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Maintaining an F-15E Strike Eagle and keeping it action-ready requires a detailed inspection that is vital for the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Gikas, 336th Fighter Squadron pilot, inspects his gear for damage or flaws before a flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug, 11, 2023. Pilots conduct preflight inspections on equipment and the aircraft itself to ensure everything is in good working order. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Rachel Self, 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight preparations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena regularly hosts visiting joint, allied and partner forces to conduct missions to enhance our operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Charles Remig, 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight preparations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena regularly hosts visiting joint, allied and partner forces to conduct missions to enhance our operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Mickus, 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, discusses aerial operations with fellow 355th EFS pilots at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena AB is the Keystone of the Pacific; postured to deter, deny and defeat any threat to regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Christen, left, 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, briefs aerial operations with fellow 355th EFS pilots at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. By operating out of Kadena Air Base, visiting forces build experiences needed to operate in the physically vast and strategically complex Indo-Pacific environment, enabling greater readiness and interoperability with joint and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kent Holt, 355th Fighter Squadron weapons load crew member, conducts pre-flight preparations on a F-35A Lightning II at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Working together to enhance agility and coordination allows joint forces to provide rapid crisis response and assistance in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, taxis to the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. Kadena Air Base conducts operations in support of the defense of Japan and supports U.S. efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. Jessi Roth)

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Lightning Strikes at Kadena

Published Aug. 14, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Jessi Roth, Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes and Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Service members from the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, discussed operations, performed pre-flight preparations and departed Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2023. By operating out of Kadena Air Base, visiting forces build experience needed to operate in the physically vast and strategically complex Indo-Pacific environment enabling greater readiness and interoperability with joint and allied forces.