Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thompson Tyler, 33rd Rescue Generation Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II phase crew chief, applies sealant to an HH-60W on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 08, 2026. Phase maintenance ensures aircraft structural integrity and reliability, enabling the 33rd RGS and 33rd Rescue Squadron to maintain combat-ready rescue capabilities across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

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Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

Ayu Uehara, Kadena Air Base Exchange hair stylist, cuts a client’s hair at the Kadena AB Exchange, Japan, Jan. 8, 2026. By serving 70–100 customers daily, the salon directly supports the daily operations and well-being of the Kadena community, allowing Airmen to remain mission-ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Johnson)

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Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kento Baumann, 718th Force Support Squadron postal clerk, loads outgoing mail onto a delivery truck at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8, 2026. The 718th FSS ensures timely and secure delivery of packages, directly supporting service members’ readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

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Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

U.S. Air Force Captain Paul Ringheiser, 18th Wing Chapel Corps sitting duty chaplain, updates the marquee with service information at Chapel Two at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8, 2026. Chaplains are religious ministry professionals who support the spiritual resilience of Airmen globally. As spiritual leaders, chaplains are relied upon for faith and personal guidance, as well as advocating for Airmen and consulting leadership on moral, ethical and quality-of-life issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class William Angulo, 18th Security Forces Squadron response force member, signals a vehicle forward for identification at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8, 2026. The 18th SFS safeguards the installation by verifying identities, inspecting vehicles and monitoring access points to defend Kadena Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

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Faces of Kadena: The people behind the mission

Published Feb. 12, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Kadena Air Base is home to over 19,000 personnel including U.S. Air Force Airmen, sister service members, and both U.S. and Japanese civilians who each have their own story to tell.

The mission may define what we do, but our people define who we are. Each individual's character, compassion, and determination shape the spirit of Team Kadena and strengthen the bonds that carry us forward.