Kadena Airmen test custom hearing protection to improve safety and communication

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Foster, Department of the Air Force hearing conservation program manager, tests an attenuating custom communication earpiece system during an aircraft engine test at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2026. The headset is designed to improve communication in high-noise environments while protecting Airmen from hazardous noise exposure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Airmen test custom hearing protection to improve safety and communication

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Foster, Department of the Air Force hearing conservation program manager, tests an attenuating custom communication earpiece system during a hearing conservation initiative at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2026. The initiative evaluates custom hearing protection designed to improve communication in high-noise environments while helping prevent long-term hearing damage among maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Airmen test custom hearing protection to improve safety and communication

An F100-PW-220 engine from an F-15E Strike Eagle operates in afterburner during a routine engine test at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2026. Airmen assigned to the 18th Component Maintenance Squadron conduct engine testing in a specialized test cell to verify engine performance and ensure all components function properly before returning the engine to service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Kadena Airmen test custom hearing protection to improve safety and communication

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Foster, Department of the Air Force hearing conservation program manager, wears an attenuating custom communication earpiece system while observing an F100-PW-220 engine test at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2026. The hearing protection system is being evaluated for its ability to enhance communication and preserve hearing for maintainers working in high-noise environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Kadena Airmen test custom hearing protection to improve safety and communication

Published June 29, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Foster, Department of the Air Force hearing conservation program manager, tests an attenuating custom communication earpiece system during an aircraft engine test at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2026. The headset is designed to improve communication in high-noise environments while protecting Airmen from hazardous noise exposure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Francisco Huerta)