KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – In a historic move, the U.S. military has awarded the $995 million Okinawa Multiple Award Construction Contract or MACC— the largest construction contract in Pacific Air Forces history — marking a transformational step toward modernizing and sustaining critical infrastructure across Okinawa.
The MACC, awarded to 15 qualified contractors, is designed to fast-track construction and facility upgrades at installations island wide. By streamlining acquisition processes, the contract allows for faster execution of mission-critical projects while improving competition, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
“This is a strategically vital contracting tool for sustaining infrastructure and military family housing on Okinawa,” said Lt. Col. Rheesa Paluay, commander of the 18th Contracting Squadron and source selection authority for the MACC. “It will directly support readiness and the well-being of our forces and their families.”
The development of the MACC was an 18-month effort led by the 18th CONS, in close coordination with key mission partners including the 18th Civil Engineer Group, U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa, NAVFAC Far East, and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.
A dedicated team of 27 acquisition, legal, engineering, and financial professionals worked across agencies to craft a contract capable of covering a broad spectrum of construction services; from airfield upgrades and facility repairs to long-term sustainment of base infrastructure and housing.
While the MACC is one of the most visible efforts, it represents only a portion of the 18th CONS’s daily mission. From multimillion-dollar projects to routine base services and IT procurement, the squadron underpins nearly every aspect of Kadena’s operations.
“We like to say that if it exists on Kadena, there’s probably a contract behind it,” said Marcus Reedom, 18th CONS Infrastructure Acquisitions Flight chief. “From building maintenance to airfield operations to quality-of-life initiatives — we’re involved in all of it.”
The 18th CONS serves as a strategic enabler for the 18th Wing and its partners, ensuring that resources are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with mission priorities. Their work not only supports daily operations but also reinforces regional posture, joint interoperability, and Indo-Pacific resilience.
“Our contracting professionals may not wear flight suits, but their work directly fuels airpower and mission readiness,” Paluay said.
With the MACC now in place, the 18th Contracting Squadron continues to lead from the front — building not just facilities, but the foundation for enduring regional security, readiness, and excellence.