April 20, 2026 U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific - Asia rocks Okinawa The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific performed across Okinawa April 11–14, 2026, engaging U.S. service members, families and local residents through a series of live events aimed at strengthening community partnerships.The band’s visit supported Pacific Air Forces’ mission to build relationships
April 14, 2026 Stars, Cars and Guitars bring community together at America Fest 2026 The 18th Wing welcomed the local community during America Fest 2026 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 11-12, 2026, offering visitors a closer look at the installation, its mission and its Airmen.“To come on base and learn more about Kadena and our neighbors is always a pleasure,” said Kiya Masahiko,
March 12, 2026 BM26: 18th OSS weather flight keeps forecasts flowing during exercise U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Operations Support Squadron weather flight maintained real-world forecasting operations while responding to simulated equipment failures, system disruptions, and unexpected challenges during a USAF-led operational exercise Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air
March 12, 2026 BM26: 18th Wing Airmen strengthen emergency response readiness U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Wing tested their ability to respond under pressure during a simulated emergency as part of a USAF-led operational exercise Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2026.
March 11, 2026 BM26: Safeguarding every drop U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron conducted water sample testing during a USAF-led operational exercise Beverly Midnight Beverly Midnight 26, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2026.
Feb. 25, 2026 From tanker to lifeline: 909th ARS, 18th AES train over Pacific U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 909th Air Refueling Squadron practice aeromedical evacuation procedures over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026.
Feb. 16, 2026 Keeping it McCool – PACAF command chief visits Kadena Air Base Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool, Pacific Air Forces command chief, visited Kadena Air Base, Japan to exchange perspectives, praise the efforts of exceptional Airmen, and experience the keystone of the Pacific, Jan. 22 and 23, 2026.
Nov. 4, 2025 18th LRS delivers under pressure The 18th logistics readiness squadron's petroleum, oil, and lubricants flight simulated an emergency liquid oxygen refill as a part of a base wide exercise, BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Nov. 5, 2025.
Nov. 4, 2025 Ghost in the model: Kadena Airmen confront AI threats As technology advances faster than ever before, the challenge isn’t just creating smarter systems, but protecting them from being turned against their users.
Sept. 20, 2025 Steps to safety: Kadena and Chatan Town partner for tsunami readiness The 18th Wing partnered with Chatan Town to practice disaster evacuation procedures at Kadena, Sept. 20, 2025. Members of Chatan communities practiced walking the official evacuation route through the air base from Kadena Gate 1 to a park on the installation to simulate what would occur during a
May 8, 2025 BH 25-2 Mission ready airmen produce airpower out of MCAS Futenma Airmen assigned to the 18th Wing, 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 355th Fighter Generation Squadron staged out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan to test their ability to rapidly deploy assets from an austere location during a routine 18th Wing readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base,
April 8, 2025 Fighting Falcons and Rocketeers rotate to Kadena The F-35A’s from the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska, and F-15Es from the 336th EFS, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina will be integrating with 18th Wing Operations and Maintenance groups along with U.S. allies across the Pacific.
March 14, 2025 It’s not a balance, it’s a rhythm: Kadena Chiefs set the pace for command culture As a keystone of the Pacific, Kadena Air Base serves as a hub for various aircraft, service components, and mission sets. This environment demands exceptional leadership to maintain, manage, and execute U.S. objectives effectively. Chief Master Sergeants, the highest enlisted rank, possess the
March 11, 2025 Road to America Fest 2025 Kadena Air Base is opening its gates to the Okinawan community for America Fest, March 22-23, 2025, for the third year in a row. The event will be open from 1100 to 1900 both days.
Jan. 13, 2025 Vermont Air National Guard deploys to Kadena F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, touched down at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2025, the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific.