KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Many premier warfighting squadrons call Kadena home, and they remain mission ready to respond at a moment’s notice to preserve assets and interests of the U.S. and its allies within the Indo-Asia Pacific region. However, who protects the protectors of the Pacific?
Armed and trained personnel of the 18th Security Forces Squadron answer the call of duty to ensure Kadena’s flightline operations never stumble, a task which must be upheld with constant vigilance.
“The flightline defenders are personnel who are providing nonstop security for the airfield, whether it happens to be KC-135 Stratotankers, airborne early warning and control aircraft, P-3 Orion aircraft or F-15 Eagles,” said Tech. Sgt. Corey Vento, 18th SFS flight chief.
Kadena’s role as Keystone of the Pacific is strengthened by the presence of aircraft from all four of the main U.S. combat forces, aircraft which must remain under the watchful eyes of defenders.
“Normally you only see Air Force aircraft, but here we also can have aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army,” said Vento.
Airman 1st Class Jose Olivera, 18th SFS response force member, helps ensure the safety of flightline aircraft and personnel.
“On the flightline, we patrol the area and we provide armed response to incidents which may affect the resources in our area,” said Olivera. “We stay vigilant and patrol all day.”
Defenders perform flightline exercises to test their knowledge of certain security protocols.
“We test them to see how well they respond to incidents such as individuals breaking runs in restricted areas, unauthorized photos being taken, [AWACS] area restrictions, entry badge validations, and enforcing entry authority lists,” said Vento.
Reinforcement of training and mission focus builds defender ability to protect large patrols areas on the flightline.
"My patrol route includes about half of the airfield which makes up a majority of Kadena Air Base, and we drive anywhere from 50 to 100 km per day,” said Olivera.
Defenders of the 18th SFS bear much responsibility in protecting Kadena’s assets and personnel both on-and-off the flightline, but defenders stay focused on their task to ensure unhindered aerial operations.
“We have roaming security and entry controllers on the flightline to keep this base running. We are always working nonstop and there are always people out here,” said Olivera.