Air Force leaders focus on ACE during Kadena AB visit Published April 8, 2024 By Staff Sgt. Dwane Young, Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel, Airman 1st Class Melany Bermudez, Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes, Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Kadena Air Base April 6, to observe Kadena AB’s unique capabilities and ongoing efforts to reoptimize for great power competition.“Air superiority. Aerial refueling. Airborne warning and control. Search and rescue. Special operations. Team Kadena does it all,” Allvin said. “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 AB 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 AB’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 Kadena AB’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. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi speak to Airmen during a base visit at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2024. The all-call provided Airmen with a rare opportunity to speak directly with top Air Force leaders on retention, quality of life, and future operations in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi coins Senior Airman Lillie Jimenez Guzman, 353rd Special Operations Wing imagery analyst, during Flosi’s visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2024. While at Kadena AB, senior leaders discussed key base issues, observed an 18th Wing agile combat employment exercise, “Shogun Shield,” and recognized the outstanding performance of Kadena AB’s team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Melany Bermudez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall observes corrosion control and repair efforts during his visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 6, 2024. 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. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan R. Sifuentes) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “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 Defense Department. 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 AB’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. U.S. Air Force Logo
Reservist earns AFA field grade officer of year award A 315th Airlift Wing Intelligence Flight Reservist was recently named Air Force Association’s field grade officer of the year for his leadership efforts while serving last year with the 437th Operations Support Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Maj. Alex Arntz, 315th Intelligence
Charleston Reservist wins top Air Force photographer award Staff Sgt. Joseph Leveille, of the 315th Airlift Wing’s 4th Combat Camera Squadron here at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, was named Air Force Military Photographer of the Year this week.
2023 AFRC A1 awards announced Col. Edward Segura, Air Force Reserve Command’s director of manpower, personnel and services, announces AFRC’s 2023 A1 award winners.
Command announces nominees for FY23 Air Force Small Business Awards Air Force Reserve Command announces nominees for FY23 Air Force Small Business Awards