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

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Munitions Squadron prepare to depart after a tomb clean-up in preparation for Shimi at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 25, 2026. The majority of the ancestral tombs of Okinawan families are located inside the perimeter of the base and are prepared a month in advance for families wishing to visit for Shimi, an annual event for showing appreciation to their ancestors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Catherine Daniel)

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- With rakes, sickles and weed trimmers in hand, more than 30 Airmen from the 18th Munitions Squadron cleared ancestral tombs March 24–25, 2026, helping Okinawan families honor generations past.

The annual effort supports preparation for Shimi, Okinawa’s traditional grave-sweeping festival, when families gather to pay respects to their ancestors. Many of the tombs, located within Kadena Air Base, predate the installation and remain sacred to local families.

During Shimi, families clean the tombs, offer food and incense, and share a meal together, reinforcing generational bonds and cultural heritage. By clearing dense vegetation ahead of the festival, Airmen help ensure safe access for visitors, particularly elderly family members.

Using hand tools and powered equipment, volunteers removed a year’s worth of overgrowth, restoring access to sites that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The effort reflects a continued commitment to respecting local customs while supporting the surrounding community.

The tombs, known as kamekoubaka, or turtleback tombs, are a distinctive feature of Okinawan culture. Their curved design resembles a turtle’s shell and symbolizes the womb, reflecting the belief that individuals return to their origins after death. These sites serve not only as burial grounds but as enduring spaces of remembrance where families have gathered for generations.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mycheal Perry, 18th Munitions Squadron stockpile supervisor and project officer, emphasized the importance of the effort.

“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the local community and show our respect for the Okinawan culture,” said Brookins. “Cleaning these tombs is a small way for us to honor the ancestors of our hosts and maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors. It’s a rewarding experience for all of us, and it helps our Airmen connect with the rich history of the island we call our temporary home.”

Community engagement efforts like this strengthen relationships between U.S. service members and the Okinawan community while reinforcing the U.S.-Japan alliance. These partnerships promote mutual understanding and support a free and open Indo-Pacific

Kadena Air Base