The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-35A Lightning IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa as part of its continued rotational presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The deployment includes F-35As from the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, and F-15Es from the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
Both units are expected to integrate with the 18th Wing’s operations and maintenance groups as well as allied forces across the region.
“The men and women of the 355th EFS are excited to be back at Kadena Air Base,” said Lt. Col. Erik Gonsalves, the squadron’s commander. “I have spent the majority of my career in PACAF and am looking forward to enhancing our squadron’s proficiency in the asymmetric advantages we share in this AOR.”
Kadena Air Base, often referred to as the “Keystone of the Pacific,” remains a critical platform for Agile Combat Employment (ACE). According to the Air Force, the base will continue to host rotational units, ensuring a combat-ready force while permanent modernization efforts, including the planned arrival of the F-15EX, remain underway.
Col. David Deptula, commander of the 18th Operations Group, emphasized Kadena’s enduring mission.
“Kadena’s commitment to regional deterrence is ironclad,” he said. “Rotational aircraft are a normal part of Kadena’s operations, and their presence ensures the continuation of our long-standing mission to defend Japan and maintain an open and free Indo-Pacific.”
The Air Force says the deployments will adhere to existing bilateral agreements with the Government of Japan. Visiting aircrews are briefed on local flight procedures, including noise abatement guidelines, and operational planning continues to factor in community concerns.
Maj. Chris Burson, commander of the 336th Fighter Generation Squadron, added that the mission serves as a valuable testbed for operational readiness.
“Kadena is a fantastic opportunity for us – working alongside our mission partners, sharing experiences and techniques, will be invaluable and will ensure we are an effective fighting force in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The rotation comes amid rising tensions in the region.