Kadena Air Base

Kadena Air Base, located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, is a United States Air Force installation. Its history began just before the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945, when a small airfield named Yara Hikojo was completed. This airfield was seized by the United States during the battle and subsequently developed into a functional air base, initially under the control of the Seventh Air Force. By August 1945, it featured a 6,500-foot bituminous runway and a 7,500-foot runway for bomber aircraft.

During the Korean War, Kadena served as a critical base for B-29 bomber groups, including the 19th, 22nd, and 307th Bombardment Groups, which conducted combat missions over Korea. The 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing arrived in November 1954 and has since been the primary USAF flying force at Kadena, undergoing various designations and aircraft upgrades, including F-86 Sabres, F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs, RF-4C Phantom IIs, and F-15 Eagles. The wing's tactical squadrons frequently deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

Currently, Kadena Air Base is operated by the U.S. Air Force and controlled by Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is home to the 18th Wing, which includes units operating KC-135R/T Stratotankers, E-3B/C Sentries, and HH-60 Pave Hawks. The base also hosts the 353rd Special Operations Wing, flying MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey aircraft, and the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, equipped with Patriot PAC-III missiles. Other units include the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron, and 390th Intelligence Squadron. The base supports over 20,000 American servicemembers, family members, and Japanese employees. Environmental concerns regarding past contamination have been reported.