“Working alongside our allies and partners, Kadena stands ready to project airpower throughout the region to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, 18th Wing commander.
Bringing together this level of airpower requires coordination and precision across numerous support elements.
“An elephant walk like this sends a message you can’t ignore — it shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we’re united, capable, and ready,” said Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 18th Wing command chief master sergeant. “This kind of teamwork and presence is exactly how we maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.”
Personnel from across Okinawa coordinated with the wing’s maintenance and operations groups to ensure the precise movement and placement of aircraft, displaying a level of professionalism essential to completing complicated mission sets.
“From maintenance and aircrew to logistics and sustainment, it’s a total team effort that reflects the strength and professionalism of the joint team at Kadena,” said Col. David Deptula, 18th Operations Group commander.
Events such as this illustrate the 18th Wing’s goals to work with partners to ensure the defense of the first island chain and maintain peace in the region.