A wooden mallet, called a Kine, pounds rice into a mash called mochi Jan. 21, 2017, at Koza Music City, Okinawa, Japan. Making mochi requires at least two people, one person to pound the rice and another to rol More
Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force officers learn more about each other and their cultures during a Japanese English Mutual Study at the Schilling Community Center, Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 29, More
Brig. Gen Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, talks with Simone Payne, American Red Cross section chief (center), and Mia Bostic, American Red Cross assistant section manager (right), about the various services More
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Casey Southern, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, and Ayami, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, watch the bowling ball roll down the lane during the KSO bowling event at Enagi More
Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force learn about the history and structure of the 18th Wing during a tour of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron Oct. 29, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Visits like this he More
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, hands Senior Airman Brian Moore, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels fixed facilities operator, an Air Force Achievement Medal citation Nov. 4, More
Each U.S. military branch runs with an olympic torch in honor of the Kadena Special Olympics Nov. 6, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Established by the 18th Wing commander in 2000, KSO is a sporting and entert More
Auska Itoman, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, thows a frisbee during the Kadena Special Olympics, Nov. 7, 2015 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The KSO is sponsored by the 18th Wing and the Friends of Kadena Special More
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darren Harris, 18th Security Forces Squadron, shows children how the radio on the patrol car works at Skoshi Warrior Nov. 14, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. More than 200 children pa More
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Haddad, 44th Fighter Squadron pilot, gets sprayed with water by 1st Lt. Maxwell Anthony (left) and 1st Lt. Michael Tope (right), 44th FS pilots, after Haddad reached 2,000 flyi More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Yolanda Miller (left), Capt. Joseph Wise (center), area defense counselors, and Master Sgt. Stephanie Clark (right), Area Defense Counsel paralegal, make up the ADC team. The ADC is compris More
U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Teddy Poole, 18th Security Forces Squadron police service NCO in charge, opens a gate for a Nirai Fire Department vehicle during an exercise Dec. 3, 2015, at Kadena Air Base Japan. Base More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Schroader, 18th Communications Squadron cable and antenna systems journeyman, tests the connection of newly installed wiring Dec. 9, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. After ins More
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, puts chief master sergeant stripes on Senior Master Sgt. David Braun, 18th Wing executive administration superintendent, Dec. 17, 2015, at Kadena Ai More
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Warcester, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron, enters a shoot-house during a room-clearing training exercise Dec. 22, 2015, at Camp Hansen, Japan. DAGRE Airmen provide secu More
The Rocker NCO Club was originally built on Kadena Air Base, Japan, in 1958 and will now be closing its doors to make way for a brand new facility. The new $47 million facility will take approximately 18 to 24 More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class William Cross, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, tightens a bolt in preparation for loading a missile onto the aircraft during a weapons load competiti More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jorge Pauker, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron inspection section team member, inspects the back of an F-15 Eagle after the engine was pulled out Jan. 28, 2016, at Kadena Air More
Dorm 700 wins the annual dorm competition award Feb. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The dorm was recognized for this accomplishment during the Kadena Annual Awards ceremony. It was with the teamwork of the More
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Quan Hancock, NCO Academy student, listens to his instructor during an NCO Academy class Feb. 11, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Service members of other branches attend thes More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Costas Dracopoulos, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron flight safety officer, holds a toy car in front of his squadron emblem Feb. 17, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Having been personal More
A Shinto priest gives a traditional ceremonial blessing during a ground breaking ceremony Feb. 24, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The ceremony was held to officially start the construction on the new Rocker N More
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, welcomes civic leaders Feb. 25, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association is a community organization which pro More
An Okinawan man prepares the tomb of his ancestors for the annual “Shimi” celebration April 10, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. “Shimi” is the time of year when Okinawan families come together to clean tombs, More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Terry Gilman, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, pulls out a hose to refuel an aircraft April 13, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Petroleum, oil and More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristoffer Drone, 18th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, looks through the back of an ambulance to make sure all the supplies are ready to go May 4, 2016, at More
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Dolan, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, speaks with members of the 18th Wing June 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The focus of his visit was to express the import More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Camerin Perona-Finley, 18th Security Forces Squadron response force member, reloads an M-9 pistol OC spray training July 13, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Security forces memb More
18th Force Support Squadron librarians gives a tour of the library to local Okinawan librarians July 13, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Some Okinawan libraries are setting up an “American corner” in their lib More
The Daniels Family pose in front of the victory bell in the chemotherapy treatment room at the San Antonio Military Medical Center July 19, 2016, after Shellie rang the bell after her last chemo treatment. Shel More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Robert Barlow and Victor Covarrubias-Ruiz, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron cargo deployment function journeymen, raise a cargo container for inspection July 20, 2016, at Kadena Ai More
A deployed aircraft ground response element Airman with the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron stops a group of simulated refugees to search before bringing them on the aircraft during an exercise July 2 More
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Hilborn, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, marshals in a 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle after returning from an exercise, Aug. 2, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Th More
Senior Airman Joel Waller, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire technician, finishes building an aircraft tire Aug. 10, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The wheel and tire shop breaks down, cleans More
Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, Defense Health Agency director, gives a presentation at the Military Treatment Facility Commanders and Stakeholders Forum Aug. 16, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Bono visited MTFs throu More
Yuka Kinjo, 18th Force Support Squadron intern, hands Larry Robertson, U.S. Navy contractor a towel during his workout Aug. 24, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. KLI students have the opportunity to intern on ba More
Students attending the Joint Professional Military Education Okinawa Experience pose with senior enlisted leaders from around Okinawa Sept. 19, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Enlisted leaders from across Okin More
Children at Kadena Elementary School use a pulley system to easily move a heavy stretcher with a dummy on it during fire prevention week Oct. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Kadena firefighters brought thei More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Adrianna Washington, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management specialist, checks a habu trap Oct. 19, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The traps use a live mouse separated by More
A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle parks on the flightline Oct. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Aircraft from the 44th FS returned to Kadena after more than three months away for training. (U.S. Air Force More
An F-15 Eagle from the 44th Fighter Squadron parks Oct. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 44th FS participated in five training exercises during a four month period in Malaysia, Guam, Hawaii and Alaska. More
Construction crews work on replacing doors to a hangar Nov. 1, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Airfield management oversees and inspects the work being done to ensure it meets quality and safety standards. (U. More
Tetsu Taira, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, throws a softball Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Established by the 18th Wing commander in 2000, KSO is a sporting and outreach event providing opportunit More
An MC-130H Combat Talon II from the 1st Special Operations Squadron refuels an HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 943rd Rescue Group during Exercise Keen Sword 17 Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. U.S. forces will condu More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Monika Neal and Airman 1st Class Caleb Berstler, 18th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations coordinators, drive and honk at a flock of birds to scare them off t More
U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the 67th Fighter Squadron pause before taking off on the runway Nov. 16, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Eagle’s air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedent More
The 1-1 Air Defense Artillery hosted the 3rd-annual Okinawa Missile Defender of the Year Banquet at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2016. Each awardee received an autographed jersey and football from Ellison, More
A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 33rd Rescue Squadron sits on the runway Nov. 30, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the Army Black Hawk helicopter which fe More
Residents of Chatan Town make their way to the entrance of Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a bilateral tsunami evacuation exercise Dec. 4, 2016. Security Forces Personnel provided gate entry to all participa More
U.S. Air Force Airmen inventory their Mission-Oriented Protective Posture gear during an exercise Feb. 7, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. After quickly grabbing their MOPP gear, Airmen must make sure they have More
American volunteers hand out water and snacks to Okinawa Marathon runners as they make their way through the base portion of the race Feb. 19, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Approximately 500 military volunte More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Calvin Cook, 18th Communications Squadron postal clerk, files member’s P.O. Box information at the Kadena Air Base Post Office March 13, 2017, on Kadena Air Base, Japan. The mission More
Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force learn about and handle different weapons during a tour of the Security Forces Squadron March. 14, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The JASDF security forces members t More
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron takes off March 16, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Eagle’s air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acc More
U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Bingham, 17th Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando II evaluator pilot, performs a pre-flight inspection before a training sortie March 21, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Bin More
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis makes a test call on a AN/PRC-117G radio during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise f More
Members of the Kadena Teen Center and Okinawa City junior high school use a wooden mallet to pound rice to make mochi Jan. 21, 2017, at Koza Music City, Okinawa, Japan. The Let’s Learn English exchange builds r More
U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force officers talk with each other during a Japanese English Mutual Study program at the Schilling Community Center, Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 29, 2015. JEMS is a p More
Stacy Roark, family resiliency trainer, discusses the Families OverComing Under Stress program with Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, in support of Project 22, Sept. 9, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Ja More
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel McCoy, 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron central storage supervisor, and Yuto, Kadena Special Olympics Athlete, high five each other after Yuto rolls the bowling ball during the More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Roberta Parker and 1st Lt. Morgan Bielecki, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilots, take a group of Japan Air Self-Defense Force members around a KC-135 Stratotanker during a tour Oct. 29, 201 More
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, 18th Wing commander, pins the Air Force Achievement Medal on Senior Airman Brian Moore, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels fixed facilities operator, Nov. 4, 2015, More
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley Hodge, 18th Security Forces Squadron criminal investigator, holds a torch during the Kadena Special Olympics Torch Run Nov. 6, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. This year marks t More
Jun Ikehara, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, crosses the finish like after a 400 meter run during the Kadena Special Olympics, Nov. 7, 2015. The KSO is a one-day sporting, art and entertainment event with more More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Erica Mun, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment technician, shows a child the correct way to wear mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear at More
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Haddad, 44th Fighter Squadron pilot, exits an F-15 Eagle after reaching 2,000 flying hours Nov. 19, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Haddad is the fifth Kadena F-15 pilot to re More
U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Teddy Poole, 18th Security Forces Squadron police service NCO in charge, moves barriers in front of a gate during an exercise Dec. 3, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Okinawa is suscept More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Schroader, 18th Communications Squadron cable and antenna systems journeyman, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Travis Carriger, a construction wireman with Headquarters and Se More
Chief master sergeants from Kadena Air Base, Japan, congratulate the newest members to the rank of chief during a ceremony Dec. 18, 2015. Approximately one percent of Airmen make the rank of chief master sergeant.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Warcester, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron, clears a room during a training exercise Dec. 22, 2015, at Camp Hansen, Japan. A Group of DAGRE Airmen from Kadena Air Base, More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Caragan, 18th Wing equal opportunity officer, gets coffee from Koji Kamekawa, Daily Grind Coffee Shop cashier, in the Rocker NCO Club, Dec. 30, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The R More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adam Lopez, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, drives an MJ-1C lift truck during a weapons load competition Jan. 8, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The we More
Members of 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron push a hangar door open Jan. 29, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The door was opened to allow a towing vehicle to enter the hangar and move a jet, taking at least More
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Vitanza, professional military education instructor, teaches a joint leadership class Feb. 11, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Air Force hosts joint classes, sometimes c More
U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Amrhein, 18th Wing vice commander, and Col. Debra Lovette, 18th Mission Support Group commander, dig into a pile of dirt during a ground breaking ceremony Feb. 24, 2016, at Kaden More
U.S. Air Force Col. David Mineau, 18th Operations Group commander, briefs Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association members on the mission and capabilities of the 18th Wing Feb. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base More
An Okinawan family cleans the tomb of their ancestors for the annual “Shimi” celebration April 10, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Tombs dating back hundreds of years are scattered across Okinawa, some on Kade More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Anyssa Yanez, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, reviews her checklist while refueling an F-15 Eagle April 13, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Petrol More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristoffer Drone, 18th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, is part of the ambulance service at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Kadena Ambulance service is one of t More
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Dolan, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, speaks with members of the 18th Wing during an event June 28, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Dolan discussed many topics incl More
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zahn Hicks, 18th Security Forces Squadron response force member, takes down an attacker in a red-man suit after being sprayed in the eyes with OC spray during training July 13, 2 More
Belinda Pugh, 18th Force Support Squadron resource librarian, exchanges business cards with local Okinawan librarians July 13, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Some Okinawan libraries are setting up an “America More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Victor Covarrubias-Ruiz, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron cargo deployment function journeyman, inspects a cargo container July 20, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. A majority of t More
A deployed aircraft ground response element Airman with the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron watches for any potential threats while protecting a simulated airfield during an exercise July 27, 2016, at More
Capt. Tyson Hyer, 44th Fighter Squadron pilot, is greeted by his children after returning from an exercise, Aug. 2, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 44th FS returned from Exercise Cope Taufan, an exercise b More
A bead breaking machine pushes on a tire that is about to be taken apart for cleaning and inspection Aug. 10, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The edge of the tire, known as the bead, can sometimes get stuck to More
Yuka Kinjo, 18th Force Support Squadron intern, reads through the Risner information book Aug. 24, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Each year, KLI students intern at various places on base to interact with Engl More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Evan Ross, 33rd Rescue Squadron pilot, briefs the mission and capabilities of the 33rd RQS to students in the Joint Professional Military Education Okinawa Experience Sept. 21, 2016, at Kad More
Children at Kadena Elementary School practice getting low and finding an exit in case of a fire during fire prevention week Oct. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. This year’s fire prevention week slogan is ‘d More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Wheeler, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management specialist, puts a Taiwanese Habu into a net Oct. 19, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Taiwanese Habu is an invasive More
U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyson Hyer, 44th Fighter Squadron pilot, parks an F-15 Eagle as his family waits for him Oct. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 44th FS returned from training in exercises around the More
An F-15 Eagle from the 44th Fighter Squadron parks in its spot Oct. 26, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 44th FS returned from more than months of training in exercises around the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. More
Construction crews work on replacing doors to a hangar Nov. 1, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Kadena airfield management oversees all construction and maintenance work done on the airfield to ensure safety an More
Ayami Goya, Kadena Special Olympics athlete, throws a bean bag at the target during a wheelchair race Nov. 5, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Kadena Special Olympics is the largest community outreach of th More
An MC-130H Combat Talon II from the 1st Special Operations Squadron refuels an HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 943rd Rescue Group during Exercise Keen Sword 17 Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. Significant training a More
A U.S. Air Force F-15 from the 67th Fighter Squadron Eagle takes off Nov. 16, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the A More
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Monika Neal, 18th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations coordinator, loads a shotgun with a pyrotechnic round to scare off a flock of birds on the runway Nov. 1 More
A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 33rd Rescue Squadron prepares to take off Nov. 30, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The primary mission of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night p More
Residents of Chatan Town make their way through Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a bilateral tsunami evacuation exercise Dec. 4, 2016. U.S. Military and civil authorities must be prepared to face any emergenc More
Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force learn about different pieces of munitions equipment during a tour of the 18th Munitions Squadron Jan. 11, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. These work and cultural More