News Search

News

  • Takeoff to touchdown

    U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 356th EFS, and F-16C Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 120th EFS and 119th EFS, deployed to Kadena Air Base, take off and land on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 30, 2026. The presence of

  • In Chatan Town, Kadena Airmen give back to the community they call home

    Since arriving at Kadena Air Base in August 2024, I’ve come to know Chatan Town as more than just where I live. It’s a community I’ve grown to care deeply about. From early morning walks along the seawall to evenings spent watching the sunset over the East China Sea, it’s the kind of place that

  • Kadena Air Base chief induction ceremony 2026

    Kadena Air Base inducted its newest chief master sergeants during a ceremony March 28, 2026, recognizing their promotion to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. The event honored their years of leadership, dedication and commitment to the mission.

  • 18th Air Force Leadership visits Kadena

    U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Winstead, Eighteenth Air Force deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Arce, 18th AF command chief, visited Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 3, 2026, as part of a Pacific Air Forces immersion across the Indo-Pacific.

  • 18th Munitions Squadron honors Okinawan heritage with tomb clean-up

    U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Munitions Squadron clear overgrown vegetation surrounding an Okinawan family's ancestral tomb in preparation for Shimi at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 25, 2026. Volunteers carefully removed overgrowth to protect the tombs while preparing the area for

  • 909th ARS honors fallen KC-135 crew during vigil at Kadena Air Base

    Thousands of miles from the crash site in western Iraq, Airmen at Kadena Air Base, Japan, joined service members and families across the globe in mourning the loss of a KC-135 Stratotanker crew who died while supporting Operation Epic Fury.The vigil, held at the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, brought

  • Operation Golden Gate 2 leaders honored for service beyond the gate

    Two Kadena Airmen were honored March 8, 2026, for leading a community cleanup effort that reflects the 18th Wing’s enduring commitment to being good neighbors and strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. The Okinawa City Community Center presented certificates of exceptional volunteer service to U.S.

  • U.S., Japanese airpower integrate to strengthen deterrence during NATR 26-1

    U.S. Air Force Airmen and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members strengthened bilateral integration and combat readiness during Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation exercise 26-1, at Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, March 9 - 19, 2026.The exercise brought together forces from the 18th Wing and JASDF’s 5th

  • BM26: F-16C Fighting Falcons take off to Futenma for training

    U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 120th EFS, deployed to Kadena Air Base, takes off during a USAF-led operational exercise Beverley Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2026. The U.S. Air Force deploys its most advanced

  • BM26: U.S. Airmen and Marines simulate austere medical operations

    U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Medical Group and U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, simulated an Expeditionary Medical Support System facility during a USAF-led exercise Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2026.

  • BM26: Airmen train to deliver lifesaving blood with Project Valkyrie

    U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron and 909th Air Refueling Squadron demonstrated their medical capabilities by employing Project Valkyrie during a USAF-led operational exercise Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2026.