Kadena Air Base, Japan -- Cadences echoed through the streets of Kadena Air Base as Airmen from the 18th Communications Squadron kicked off their first two-mile morale run on Oct. 22, 2025.
The run, which passed through residential areas and neighboring squadrons, was more than just a workout—it was a statement.
“You don’t do a morale event like this to get your squadron ready,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Henry Sims, 18th CS commander. “You do it to show how ready you are.”
With upcoming changes to Air Force physical fitness standards—set by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth—raising the distance requirement to 2 miles —the 18th CS is leading by example.
Sims emphasized that the run was already in the planning stages before the new standards were released and aligns with his vision of exceeding, not just meeting, expectations.
“We’re not reacting to new standards; we’re already living them,” said Sims. “This is about consistent performance above the minimum.”
The event was designed to promote total Airman fitness in a fun and engaging way.
“We’re always looking for ways to build holistic Airman fitness,” said Airman 1st Class Siiva Moana, 18th CS cyber enterprise technician. “So we made it fun.”
Airmen ran in formation, calling jodies that carried through the base. According to Sims, the cadences served a dual purpose: building camaraderie and signaling the squadron’s morale and readiness to the rest of the wing.
“I wanted this to be intentional,” Sims said. “We ran through residential areas and past other squadrons so they could see and hear us. We’re out here being the example.”
The 18th Communications Squadron’s approach highlights the importance of readiness not just as a requirement, but as a culture.
“You can expect many more morale runs to come,” Sims added. “This is who we are.”
Cadences echoed through the streets of Kadena Air Base as Airmen from the 18th Communications Squadron kicked off their first two-mile morale run on Oct. 22, 2025.
The run, which passed through residential areas and neighboring squadrons, was more than just a workout—it was a statement.
“You don’t do a morale event like this to get your squadron ready,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Henry Sims, 18th CS commander. “You do it to show how ready you are.”
With upcoming changes to Air Force physical fitness standards—set by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth—raising the distance requirement to 2 miles —the 18th CS is leading by example.
Sims emphasized that the run was already in the planning stages before the new standards were released and aligns with his vision of exceeding, not just meeting, expectations.
“We’re not reacting to new standards; we’re already living them,” said Sims. “This is about consistent performance above the minimum.”
The event was designed to promote total Airman fitness in a fun and engaging way.
“We’re always looking for ways to build holistic Airman fitness,” said Airman 1st Class Siiva Moana, 18th CS cyber enterprise technician. “So we made it fun.”
Airmen ran in formation, calling jodies that carried through the base. According to Sims, the cadences served a dual purpose: building camaraderie and signaling the squadron’s morale and readiness to the rest of the wing.
“I wanted this to be intentional,” Sims said. “We ran through residential areas and past other squadrons so they could see and hear us. We’re out here being the example.”
The 18th Communications Squadron’s approach highlights the importance of readiness not just as a requirement, but as a culture.
“You can expect many more morale runs to come,” Sims added. “This is who we are.