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  • 18th MXG secures Phoenix Award win

    The 18th Maintenance Group won the Department of Defense’s Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence of the Year during the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards ceremony on December 19, 2023. The award is presented annually to honor the “Best” maintenance unit in the DoD, with this recognition

  • 18th MXG wins AF level Daedalian Award

    The 18th Maintenance Group was awarded the 2022 Maj. Gen. Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon Systems Maintenance Trophy at the Air Force level, distinguishing themselves as the U.S. Air Force unit with the best weapon system maintenance.

  • 909th AMU crew chiefs keep Stratotankers in business

    In service for over 40 years, the KC-135 Stratotanker provides long-range aerial refueling support for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft, and has the capacity to offload 6,500 pounds of fuel per minute. The 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit provides combat ready air refueling

  • 18th CMS test cell Airmen unleash the afterburner

    An F-15C Eagle engine runs at full afterburner inside the test cell at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2022. The test cell is a sound-suppressed facility, allowing maintainers to run the engines at in-flight performance levels, looking for any complications or failures that may arise. (U.S. Air

  • Keeping Kadena flying: aerospace ground equipment

    Responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment that supplies electricity, hydraulic pressure and air pressure to aircraft, AGE specialists play an essential role ensuring aircraft are ready for flight. The southside AGE shop services 374 pieces of equipment worth approximately 29 million

  • Minimal ground time, maximum refueling

    Kadena Air Base Airmen performed hot-pit refueling operations on a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, June 28, 2022. Hot-pit refueling allows the aircraft to keep its engines running while receiving fuel, which minimizes ground time and ensures the mission will continue with

  • Keeping the wheels rolling: 18th LRS vehicle maintenance

    The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance general purpose shop performs a variety of tasks, ranging from oil and filter changes to complete engine overhauls. The general purpose shop’s main objective is to service vehicles driven regularly on the flightline so aircrews and

  • 33rd HMU ensures safe landings during 18th Wing exercise

    The 33rd Rescue Squadron provides combat search and rescue capabilities to aid in exercises and real-world operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. During the routine exercise, Kadena Airmen are conducting training activities to hone technical skills and enhance the base’s

  • Readiness training kicks off at Kadena

    Kadena participates in a variety of routine training exercises throughout the year to maintain a consistent high standard of readiness and expertise.

  • Aerospace propulsion flight keep the engines running

    The 18th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion flight repairs and rebuilds aircraft engines, ensuring Kadena can deliver unmatched combat airpower in support of the U.S. interests, the defense of Japan, and peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.

  • Egress specialists: Propelling pilots safely

    Egress Airmen ensure pilots can safely eject from aircraft in the event of an emergency. They perform maintenance and coordination of seats, hatches and modules to make sure every component of an ejection seat is in working order.

  • 18 LRS Special Purpose technicians break it down

    Special Purpose Airmen service a vehicle for its entire lifecycle – performing inspections and maintenance on it until it needs to be removed from the fleet, and then preparing it for retirement. This staircase truck must be disassembled so it can be transported safely, due to bridges on the planned

  • 18 MXG promotes spirituality through Nest Program

    The 18th Maintenance Group is ensuring their most valuable asset – the Airmen – are spiritually resilient by implementing the Nest Program. The Nest Program is designed to help Airmen spiritually discover their innate purpose and meaning through recurring events that aim to build intrinsically