Kadena Air Base

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Kadena Facts

The 18th Wing has the unique distinction of being the only wing never stationed in the United States. 18th Wing heritage began on Jan. 21, 1927, when the War Department activated a provisional pursuit group at Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii . Shortly thereafter the group was re-designated the 18th Pursuit Group. The Imperial Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941, severely hurt the group--its only two P-40 Warhawks to get airborne were immediately shot down, and the rest of the group's aircraft were heavily damaged. On May 15, 1942, with new aircraft, the War Department again re-designated the group as the 18th Fighter Group. Read Kadena's full history.

18th Wing Key Leadership

Brig. Gen. Matthew H. Molloy
Commander

Col. Charles B.
McDaniel
Vice Commander
CMSgt Ramon Colon-Lopez
Command Chief Master Sergeant

18th Wing Group Commanders:
Col. Gary J. Schneider - 18th Civil Engineer Group
Col. Brian R. Beers - 18th Maintenance Group
Col. Barbara B. King - 18th Medical Group
Col. Jeffrey R. Ullmann - 18th Mission Support Group
Col. Pete J. Milohnic - 18th Operations Group

Associate Unit Leadership

Col. Brad M. Sullivan - 353rd Special Operations Group Commander
CMSgt. Gregg E. Jones - 353rd Special Operations Group Command Chief

Mission

Operating from the largest U.S. installation in the Asia-Pacific region, the 18th Wing defends U.S. and Japanese mutual interests by providing aforward power projection platform with integrated, deployable, combat power. The Wing operates a fleet of 81 combat-ready aircraft to perform air superiority, aerial refueling, airborne warning and control, and combat search and rescue functions. In addition, a force of 8,000 trained Airmen is postured to support Air Force commitments in the Pacific region as well as U.S. military commitments around the world. Read more about us

Kadena Aircraft Facts

Click here for Kadena AB aircraft factsheets

Historical Documents

Team Kadena & Operation Tomodachi
65th Anniversary of Battle of Okinawa
Myth Busters: History office sets record straight
Okinawa History
MiG-15, Kadena connection
Three 44th Pursuit Squadron pilots among heroes at Pearl Harbor
Okinawa History on Camp Kinser
HISTORY 101: Kadena F-15 holds last Marine aerial victory