Overview
- F-35A jets from the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at Kadena on Oct. 7, joining F-35As from the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron already in place.
- F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron landed on Oct. 18, completing the current rotation of U.S. fighters to Okinawa.
- The visiting squadrons are integrating with the 18th Wing and training with joint and allied partners to enhance readiness and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific.
- Kadena remains a central hub for Agile Combat Employment, supporting distributed operations and rapid power projection throughout the region.
- The wing noted the previous rotation included a three-month F-15E detachment to Diego Garcia that established a sustained fighter presence there, as plans progress to base 36 F-15EX aircraft at Kadena starting next year.