KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Winstead, Eighteenth Air Force deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Arce, 18th AF command chief, visited Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 3, 2026, as part of a Pacific Air Forces immersion across the Indo-Pacific.
The senior leaders traveled to Kadena as part of a wider visit to 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing units in the region. The immersion highlighted the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron’s role in delivering rapid global mobility and sustaining warfighting readiness in a dynamic security environment. As a key enabler of Air Mobility Command’s mission, the squadron ensures the timely movement of personnel, cargo and critical resources across the theater.
“The mission at Kadena underscores how essential adaptability and readiness are to global mobility operations,” said Winstead. “The 733rd AMS continues to evolve, integrating new capabilities and refining processes to meet the demands of today’s security environment and ensure we remain ready for tomorrow’s fight.”
Throughout the visit, Winstead and Arce toured key facilities, including the Aerial Port Operations Center, passenger terminal, and freight and special handling sections, where they observed firsthand how mobility Airmen execute complex logistics operations that support the joint force.
The engagement concluded a weeklong visit to Pacific Air Forces installations, including Osan Air Base and Yokota Air Base, where the 18th AF command team met with Airmen and leaders to gain insight into operations that enable rapid response across the Indo-Pacific.
During their time at Kadena, the command team received a mission brief from Lt. Col. Joshua Messer, 733rd AMS commander, outlining the squadron’s contributions to a free and open Indo-Pacific and its role in supporting contingency operations. Leaders emphasized the importance of cohesive teams, operational discipline, and personal readiness in maintaining a competitive edge.
“What we saw here is a team of highly skilled Airmen delivering rapid, reliable global mobility every day,” said Arce. “Their professionalism, innovation and commitment ensure we can project power and respond to any challenge, anywhere in the world.”
As part of the Keystone of the Pacific, the 733rd AMS continues to advance warfighting capabilities through innovation and integration, reinforcing its role within the Rapid Global Mobility enterprise and supporting joint and allied operations across the region.
The tour highlighted the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron’s efforts to ensure Airmen remain adequately equipped to meet dynamic challenges while demonstrating its commitment to warfighting readiness that prepares the force to meet the challenges of tomorrow.