718th CES: Breaking the mold

The Okinawa region belongs to a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 23 C, and a steamy average of 79 percent humidity this past September alone. Locals and tourists alike regularly enjoy what is commonly known as the “Hawaii of Japan”, but suffer the proverbial wet blanket of

Kadena Major Accident Response Exercise

U.S. Airmen from the 18th conducted a Major Accident Response Exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 21, 2021. The exercise is used to test the readiness and response capabilities of the 18th Wing during an emergency.

Kadena Bats fly at dusk

Maintainers from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform final end-of-runway checks on an F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron as a multimedia specialist from the 18th Wing Public Affairs Office performs video documentation prior to a night flying training mission at Kadena Air

Storytellers: Narratives on mental health

Three storytellers shared their experiences with overcoming adversity during a Storytellers event hosted by the Violence Prevention Team at the McDaniel Center at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2021.

Fallen firefighters remembered during 9/11 memorial climb

On the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, attacks on the World Trade Center in N.Y., firefighters and members of the community came together to participate in a stair climb as a symbol of the heroic journey first responders took 20 years ago.

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.

Keeping the records straight: 18th CS Knowledge Management Center

Curious minded Nacho

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” -Thomas H. HuxleyLearning something new can be tough. Especially when dealing with a job or culture you aren’t accustomed to. However, new knowledge and understanding can open the doors to new opportunities.

CMSAF Bass visits Kadena

During her visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 23, 2021, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass toured facilities, recognized Airmen for excellent performance and addressed Air Force culture and policies during an all-call.

Sheet metal techs reinforce Kadena's airpower

The 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance specialists make it their mission to ensure the structural integrity of Kadena's aircraft is steadfast and ready to deliver airpower anytime, anywhere.

Rain or shine, Weather Flight keeps Kadena ready

With weather impacting nearly every aspect of base operations, the 18th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight plays a vital role ensuring Kadena continues functioning as a world-class strategic forward base.

733rd AMS Air Force members rescue kayakers

Recently, Staff Sgt. Kyle Kemble, an asset evaluator, and GS-11 employee Brandon Yoneda, an air terminal operations duty officer, both members of the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, saved four Japanese locals who found themselves in danger after their kayak flipped over half a mile off the coast of

18th Wing gains new commander

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joel L. Carey relinquished command of the 18th Wing to Brig. Gen. David Eaglin during a change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 16, 2021.

Preparation in the face of the unexpected - how SERE educates military members

In efforts to prepare and protect the Air Force’s most valuable resource of all — Airmen — survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists undergo extensive training to make certain aircrew members are up to date with the latest on survival and evasion tactics. The tactics taught give Airmen

Airfield Management: ruling the runway

The Air Force is sometimes thought of as being made up of pilots and planes, but without a working runway, the mission stalls. Enter Airfield Management, guardians of the runway, their objective: ensuring a safe environment for aircraft to take-off and land.