Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. William Cupp, 18th Wing command chief, and Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, greet Southwestern Air Defense Force Lt. Gen. Takayuki Terasaki, right, SWADF commander, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. Terasaki visited Kadena for a tour of the base, to view take offs and landings of JASDF aircraft, and to discuss bilateral training with base leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle assigned to the 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron, takes off following joint hot pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. The U.S.-Japan alliance is built on shared interests, values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

From left to right, Southwestern Air Defense Force Lt. Gen. Takayuki Terasaki, left, SWADF commander, speaks with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. William Cupp, 18th Wing command chief, and Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. Terasaki's visit underscores the enduring partnership between U.S. and Japanese forces in maintaining a secure and free Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle assigned to the 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron, lands on the flightline for joint hot pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. Bilateral training events between U.S. and Japanese forces provide an opportunity for members to learn from one another and help strengthen regional defense and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle assigned to the 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron, taxis from its parking spot following joint hot pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. The U.S.-Japan alliance is built on shared interests, values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

Southwestern Air Defense Force Lt. Gen. Takayuki Terasaki, SWADF commander, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Cupp, 18th Wing command chief, observes a Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. Terasaki’s visit to Kadena reflects the shared commitment between the U.S. and Japan in operational readiness and projecting airpower across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle assigned to the 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron, takes off following joint hot pit refueling operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 15, 2025. Bilateral training events between U.S. and Japanese forces provide an opportunity for members to learn from one another and help strengthen regional defense and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Japan’s Southwestern Air Defense Force commander visits Kadena

Published Nov. 13, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Southwestern Air Defense Force Lt. Gen. Takayuki Terasaki, SWADF commander, comes to Kadena Air Base for a visit to meet with U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Cupp, 18th Wing command chief, to discuss bilateral training and to receive a tour of the base and view the take offs and landings of JASDF aircraft.