Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Maj. James Gregory, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons officer, performs pre-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th EFS, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, takes off during its first flight during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Heydinger, 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-22A Raptor at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2024. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region to signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor, assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, takes off during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kayla Vohs, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to taxi before her first flight during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The U.S. routinely evaluates readiness and repositions forces as needed to ensure the U.S. Air Force is presenting the appropriate capabilities necessary to meet obligations in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Arnet Tamayo)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, prepares to taxi before its first flight during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kayla Vohs, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight checks before her first flight during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region to signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Arnet Tamayo)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Maj. James Gregory, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron weapons officer, performs pre-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 77th EFS, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 9, 2024. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region to signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor, assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, takes off during a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gabriel Nunez De La Torre, 525th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks on a F-22A Raptor at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2024. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region to signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Heydinger, 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares for a flight on a F-22A Raptor at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2024. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)

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Raptors and falcons nest at Kadena

Published Oct. 10, 2024
By Senior Airman Luis. E Rios Calderon, Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel, Airman Arnet Tamayo
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

The 18th Wing welcomes new rotational forces from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Together they represent the U.S. Air Force's continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation in the Indo-Pacific.