Japan Minister of Defense visits Kadena

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Landing at a helo pad at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Jan. 20, Japan Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa met with Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing Commander, for a mission briefing and a tour of the base. During the visit, Minister Kitazawa expressed his appreciation for the leadership, cooperation, and hard work demonstrated by the men and women at Kadena. The minister said he also appreciates all of the many community relations activities in which Team Kadena hosts and participates.

Minister Kitazawa said that it is important for both Japan and the US to build better understanding for the Okinawan people of the importance of Kadena's presence, by engaging with the community to address their concerns. General Wilsbach explained how Kadena leaders continuously meet with the local community to listen to their concerns and to build better trust and understanding.

During the visit, General Wilsbach highlighted the various missions at Kadena, the runway construction, and projects in work to mitigate community concerns. At the Air Force's largest combat wing, the minister commented that Japan feels the presence of the 18th Wing and it makes the people feel very protected; not only in Japan, but in the entire region.