Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi coins U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lillie Jimenez Guzman, 353rd Special Operations Wing imagery analyst, during his visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2024. While at Kadena, senior leaders discussed key base issues, observed an 18th Wing agile combat employment exercise, “Shogun Shield,” and recognized the outstanding performance of Kadena’s team. (Airman 1st Class Melany Bermudez, U.S. Air Force)
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi visited Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, to observe Team Kadena’s unique capabilities and ongoing efforts to re-optimize for great power competition.
“Air superiority. Aerial refueling. Airborne warning and control. Search and rescue. Special Operations. Team Kadena does it all,” said Allvin. “It was inspiring to hear firsthand how, alongside our Allies and partners, the team projects decisive airpower to ensure regional security.”
The visit comes at a time when Kadena must modernize infrastructure and focus on developing mission-ready Airmen to effectively execute current and future Agile Combat Employment operations in the region.
As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena’s strategic location makes it a pivotal installation for ensuring the defense of Japan and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
While here, the senior leaders discussed key base issues, observed a wing-level ACE exercise, “Shogun Shield,” and recognized the outstanding performance of Team Kadena’s service members.
Furthermore, Allvin and Flosi hosted an all-call where they challenged the Airmen in attendance to become as ready and as lethal as possible.
“This is a time we need to break free, move forward, and lead,” Allvin said. “The nation will demand more of the Air and Space Forces in a future fight.”
Flosi expanded further on the pacing challenge.
“The People’s Republic of China is not scared of our hardware, or our technology.” Flosi said. “They’re scared of our Airmen.”
With an enhanced focus on ACE and readiness, the key leaders emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity to adapt to any threats to stability and the security of our Allies and partners.
Military modernization within the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority for the DoD. The visit showcased the base’s diverse range of missions and evolving capabilities, while highlighting the need for modern infrastructure to meet current and future mission demands.
Kadena’s continued modernization efforts, powered by mission-ready Airmen, serve as an undeniable example of U.S. determination to meet the pacing threat head-on anytime, anywhere.
