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  • Brothers in Flight: Twin Pilots Share the Sky

    ​​On Dec. 4, 2025, Capt. Jordan Wesemann, 909th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, flew alongside his twin brother, Capt. Jared Wesemann, 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The flight marked Jordan’s final mission with the 18th Wing and a rare,

  • From stockpile to safe: Kadena EOD executes controlled demolition

    U.S Air Force explosive ordnance disposal technicians with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a scheduled controlled detonation to safely dispose of unusable and recovered munitions at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 18, 2025, reinforcing readiness while reducing hazardous stockpiles on base.

  • Alaska F-35As deliver deterrence at altitude

    The 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of the U.S. Air Force’s fighter rotation program, regularly integrates with F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and participates in large-scale

  • Ready today, lethal always

    U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, and F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, both deployed to Kadena Air Base, conduct an aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling

  • Combat Logistic Challenge: 18th LRS stays ready

    The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently hosted its first-ever Combat Logistics Challenge, an event designed to test the physical and mental resilience of the Airmen who keep vital missions going at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 10, 2025.

  • Building rescue partnerships: Japan coast guard visits Kadena

    Members of the Japan Coast Guard’s Naha Branch toured Kadena Air Base as part of a rescue-capabilities immersion. The visit provided JCG personnel an overview of Kadena's rescue assets and procedures, supporting mutual understanding and cooperation in emergency response operations. Through briefings

  • Eyes of the Pacific: Allied ISR strengthens deterrence at Kadena Air Base

    In a region where distance defines every mission, information dominance serves as the cornerstone of deterrence. Kadena Air Base stands as the forward hub for joint and allied ISR operations that preserve stability, reassure partners and ensure U.S. forces remain ready to respond at a moment’s

  • American Red Cross tours Kadena

    American Red Cross members engaged with 18th Wing leadership, Emergency Managers, and other mission support personnel to discuss Non-combatant Evacuation Operations, disaster preparedness, shelter operations, and coordination during natural and man-made emergencies. The visit aims to strengthen

  • 18th Wing leaders recognize Amelia Earhart students for community impact

    18th Wing leadership visited Amelia Earhart Intermediate School to thank fourth grade students for boosting holiday support to the community at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 3, 2025. Students at the school helped fundraise over 900 pounds of food to serve 73 families in need during Thanksgiving week.

  • JASDF F-15Js and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons Formation

    JASDF F-15Js and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, flew in formation Oct. 1,2025. The bilateral training demonstrated interoperability between forces, and the commitment of both nations to maintain peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific area of

  • Disruptive Duo: EA-37B Compass Call, Growlers add electronic edge

    An Air Force EA-37B Compass Call teamed up with Navy EA-18 Growlers at Kadena. This next-gen electronic attack jet jams enemy networks, keeping the Joint Force dominant in the electromagnetic spectrum. The aircraft integrated with Navy EA-18 Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 131,

  • Korea Marine Exercise Program 25-2: Joint Logistics and Transport training

    U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force boarded a C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, in support of Korea Marine Exercise Program 25-2 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 16, 2025. Airmen and Marines