KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- With checklists in hand and a sense of urgency in the air, Airmen from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron worked in conjunction with various units to coordinate a Personnel Deployment Function line during a base-wide operational readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025.
The PDF line ensures deploying personnel are fully prepared prior to departure by verifying government travel cards, identification, emergency contact data, and other essential documentation. During the event, finance, legal, and medical agencies played a role in verifying each Airman’s readiness for worldwide deployment.
“The exercise benefits both the agencies involved and the deploying Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brie Barnett, 18th LRS noncommissioned officer in charge of deployment operations. “It builds familiarity with the process, reinforces readiness, and ensures everyone knows exactly what to do when it’s time to execute.”
Conducting the PDF line during simulated combat conditions allowed Airmen to conduct training in a high-tempo environment that mirrored real-world operations while identifying areas for improvement in communication and coordination.
“These exercises are great practice; not just for operations, but for teamwork,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jaylen Dartis, 18th LRS deployment management technician. “They help us see where we can communicate better and make sure information flows smoothly across all agencies, so the PDF line runs efficiently.”
Exercises like BH 26-1 test the 18th Wing’s ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Readiness events validate Kadena Air Base’s critical role in projecting airpower, deterring aggression, and strengthening regional stability.
Through rehearsing deployment operations and refining coordination across units, the 18th Wing continues to enhance its ability to respond to any crisis and uphold its commitment to defend Japan and maintain peace throughout the Indo-Pacific.