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U.S. Air Force Maj. Spencer Sherman, incoming 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks during the 18th AMXS activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. Sherman thanked the Airmen who have been at the forefront of defending freedom throughout the region during their time before its activation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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260515-F-WJ150-1208

U.S. Air Force Maj. Spencer Sherman, incoming 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks during the 18th AMXS activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. Sherman thanked the Airmen who have been at the forefront of defending freedom throughout the region during their time before its activation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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260515-F-WJ150-1208

U.S. Air Force Col. Gerard Carisio, left, 18th Maintenance Group commander, and Maj. Spencer Sherman, incoming 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, render a salute during the 18th AMXS activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. The realignment of maintenance Airmen, resources and responsibilities provides a tighter relationship between operators and maintainers, flattening the maintenance organizational structure and transitioning aircraft maintenance units into fighter generation squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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260515-F-WJ150-1208

U.S. Air Force Col. Gerard Carisio, left, 18th Maintenance Group commander, and Maj. Spencer Sherman, incoming 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, hold the guidon during the 18th AMXS activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. Throughout the squadron's lineage it has earned 13 Air Force outstanding unit awards, two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry crosses, and numerous team and individual awards spanning from unit to Air Force level recognitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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260515-F-WJ150-1208

U.S. Air Force Airmen gather for the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. The realignment of maintenance Airmen, resources and responsibilities provides a tighter relationship between operators and maintainers, flattening the maintenance organizational structure and transitioning aircraft maintenance units into fighter generation squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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260515-F-WJ150-1208

U.S. Air Force Col. Gerard Carisio, left, 18th Maintenance Group commander, and Maj. Spencer Sherman, incoming 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, stand at attention during the 18th AMXS activation ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. The event highlighted the historic era of the 67th Fighter Generation Squadron and marked the activation of the 18th AMXS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)

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18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron activates at Kadena Air Base

Published May 25, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez
18 Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

The 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron activates at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 15, 2026. The event highlighted the historic era of the 67th Fighter Generation Squadron and marked the activation of the 18th AMXS.

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