260701-F-XM554-1171

U.S. Air Force Col. David Deptula, right, outbound 18th Operations Group commander, renders a final salute to the 18th OG during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The final salute marks the outgoing commander's last act of command, closing his tenure at the head of the group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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260701-F-XM554-1177

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, left, 18th Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Col. David Deptula, center, outbound 18th Operations Group commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffery Peterson, inbound 18th OG commander, stand at attention following a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The 18th OG projects airpower across the region through search and rescue, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and airborne air control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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260701-F-XM554-1272

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Operations Group change the commander’s name on an F-15E Strike Eagle during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The 18th OG manages the flight activities of Kadena Air Base, projecting airpower across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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260701-F-XM554-1065

U.S. Air Force Col. David Deptula, left, outbound 18th Operations Group commander, and U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffery Peterson, right, inbound 18th OG commander, listen to remarks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The 18th OG projects airpower across the region through search and rescue, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and airborne air control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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18th Operations Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Operations Group stand at parade rest during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The formation represented Airmen from all ranks and squadrons within the 18th OG. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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18th Operations Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Wing Base Honor Guard Team present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 1, 2026. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles troops for presentation to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau)

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18th Operations Group welcomes new commander

Published Aug. 15, 2026
By Senior Airman Greydon Furstenau
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. --

Col. Jeffery Peterson assumed command of the 18th Operations Group from Col. David Deptula during a change-of-command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, July 1, 2026.

260701-F-XM554-1171

260701-F-XM554-1177

260701-F-XM554-1272

260701-F-XM554-1065

18th Operations Group welcomes new commander

18th Operations Group welcomes new commander