Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 120th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off from the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the 120th EFS works in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter assets that are both augmented to and stationed at Kadena to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off from the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The deployment of F-16Cs to Kadena reinforces the 18th Wing’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off from the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The deployment of F-16Cs to Kadena reinforces the 18th Wing’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, operates the F-16C across the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. Fighter pilots continuously demonstrate the skill and precision required to fly a compact, highly maneuverable aircraft capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off from the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The reception of advanced fighter aircraft at Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower towards the defense of U.S. allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley) (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, lands on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the 120th EFS works in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter assets that are both augmented to and stationed at Kadena to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, taxis on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The F-16C is a compact, highly maneuverable fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, providing high-performance capabilities that support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, lands on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the 356th EFS works in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter assets that are both augmented to and stationed at Kadena to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

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Takeoff to touchdown

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, lands on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The reception of advanced fighter aircraft at Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower towards the defense of U.S. allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley)

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Takeoff to touchdown

Published April 7, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Amy Kelley, Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess, Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 356th EFS, and F-16C Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 120th EFS and 119th EFS, deployed to Kadena Air Base, take off and land on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The presence of advanced fighter aircraft at Kadena demonstrates the enduring commitment to the defense of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.