An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Jan. 14, 2025

Vermont Air National Guard deploys to Kadena

By Staff Sgt. Dwane Young, 18th Wing

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, touched down at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2025, the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific.

As part of its modernization plan, the U.S. Air Force is retiring the aging F-15C/D fleet of aircraft that has been in service for more than 40 years. Kadena maintains a steady-state fighter presence by hosting fourth- and fifth-generation fighters to backfill the F-15C/D Eagles as they return to the United States.

The 134th EFS will be integrating with F-22 Raptors from the 525th EFS and F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th EFS to continually provide forward fighter capabilities in support of theater deterrence and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives.

“Our squadron eagerly anticipates the chance to elevate our training by testing ACE concepts during this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Trevor Callen, 134th EFS commander. “We are committed to leveraging our experiences and techniques alongside our bilateral partners and Kadena flying units, which will significantly enhance our operational versatility in the Indo-Pacific.”

As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment. The 18th Wing will continue to receive rotational units that strengthen capabilities, such as ACE, and project combat power in concert with allies and partners.

These continuous rotations of aircraft at Kadena ensure the 18th Wing remains flexible and postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to deter acts of aggression.

“Kadena’s commitment to regional deterrence is ironclad,” said Col. David Deptula, 18th Wing Operations Group commander. “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.”

Throughout these deployments, the 18th Wing will continue to comply with applicable bilateral agreements with the Government of Japan. All visiting aircrews receive thorough briefings on local noise abatement procedures and mission planners will continue to give due consideration to the local community.

Modernizing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority. The transition to more capable aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the DoD’s continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of its Alliance with Japan.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
BH 25-1: Kadena emergency responders stand strong
U.S. Air Force firefighters assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Group respond to a simulated aircraft crash during a major accident response exercise in support of a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 12, 2025. Routine exercises help validate and strengthen the shared doctrine, tactics, procedures and systems that would enable units to operate seamlessly in a real-world crisis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luis E. Rios Calderon)
Jan. 14, 2025 - Emergency responders from across the 18th Wing collaborated in a major accident response exercise (MARE) in support of a base-wide routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 12, 2025...

USINDOPACOM statement on DPRK's ballistic missile launches
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hold graphic created for website and social media use. (U.S. Navy graphic by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs)
Jan. 14, 2025 - We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls...

Eighth Army Band Harmonizes Strength and Unity across South Korea
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Eighth Army Band conduct pass and review during the Eighth Army Change of Command Ceremony for Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson lll, (outgoing commander) and Lt. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, (incoming commander), at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, April 5, 2024. Change-of-Command ceremonies are a time honored tradition dating back to the start of the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Jorge Reyes Mariano)
Jan. 10, 2025 - Often the heart of community celebrations, the Eighth Army Band is the heartbeat of strong relationships throughout the Republic of Korea. The only U.S. Army band stationed in Asia, their packed year-round positive impacts...

1 ASOG participates in Yama Sakura 87
Jan. 10, 2025 - Airmen assigned to the 1st Air Operations Group participated in exercise Yama Sakura 87 in locations spanning the Indo-Pacific including Alaska, Japan and Hawaii, from Dec. 1-14, 2024...

A Commander-in-Chief's Final Journey Led by Military Tradition
Members of the public view the casket of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Jan. 5, 2025. This tradition allows the public to honor and reflect on the life and achievements of the nation's former leaders.
Jan. 9, 2025 - President Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th chief executive and the first U.S. Naval Academy graduate to serve in the Oval Office, began his final journey with a procession that intertwined the small-town rhythms of Plains, Ga...