Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, left, 18th Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. William Cupp, right, 18th Wing command chief, present a chief master sergeant plaque to Senior Master Sgt. Cassidy L. Wong, 718th Force Support Squadron superintendent of postal operations, during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The rank of chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, with only one percent of the enlisted force structure reaching it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force chief inductee stands at attention during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. This milestone recognizes Airmen who have consistently led at the highest levels and shaped the future of the force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force newly inducted chief master sergeants stand at attention as they get recognized during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The seven new chiefs were formally inducted marking their transition into the highest enlisted tier. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lynnette Banks, 18th Wing Staff Agency senior enlisted leader, claps for inductees during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. Chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank, reserved for Airmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Challinor, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, stands at attention after placing the final chevron of the chief master sergeant rank insignia during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The rank of chief master sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, with only one percent of the enlisted force structure reaching it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Kadena Honor Guard members prepare to present the colors during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The chief induction ceremony recognizes leadership responsibilities, commitment to mentorship and dedication to upholding the Air Force’s core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Hunter Back, 718th Force Support Squadron postal clerk, walks across stage to place the chevron for the airman 1st class rank insignia during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The stripe ceremony is used to signify all the ranks the inductees surpassed on their path to their new rank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Wing stand with deconstructed pieces of the chief master sergeant enlisted rank as part of the stripe ceremony during a chief induction ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The stripe ceremony is used to signify all the ranks the inductees surpassed on their path to their new rank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

Published April 6, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

Kadena Air Base inducted its newest chief master sergeants during a ceremony March 28, 2026, recognizing their promotion to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. The event honored their years of leadership, dedication and commitment to the mission.