Kadena Air Base in Japan recently witnessed an impressive display of capabilities by the U.S. Armed Forces units and assets deployed and operating daily from the installation. The U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army conducted this Elephant Walk as a demonstration of combat readiness and regional deterrence.
According to information released by Kadena Air Base, the recent display by the U.S. Armed Forces included 24 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagle multirole fighters, six HH-60 Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopters, two MQ-9 Reaper drones, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft, six KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, an RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft, and an E-3G Sentry early warning aircraft from the U.S. Air Force.
These assets were joined by two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft and a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the Navy, as well as two launchers of the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system from the U.S. Army.
Kadena Air Base is a cornerstone of the U.S. presence in Japan and the Pacific, serving as a critical hub for agile combat employment and power projection in coordination with regional allies and partners. “Kadena’s commitment to regional deterrence is steadfast… Fighter rotations are a normal part of Kadena operations, and their presence ensures the continuity of our longstanding mission to defend Japan and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” stated the commander of the 18th Wing Operations Group of the U.S. Air Force.
The broad variety of assets displayed during the recent Elephant Walk is a testament to the capabilities that the U.S. Armed Forces have at Kadena. “Working alongside our allies and partners, Kadena is ready to project airpower across the region to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing.
At Kadena, the U.S. Air Force maintains a permanent presence of both fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. The arrival of the F-35A Lightning II in Japan followed the Air Force’s plan to replace the aging F-15C/D Eagle interceptors, which have already completed the process of returning to U.S. continental bases.
As of mid-January this year, the F-35A Lightning IIs from the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were expected to integrate with F-22 Raptors from the 525th EFS and F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th EFS, “to continuously provide advanced combat capabilities in support of theater deterrence and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives.”
Elephant Walks not only serve as demonstrations of capability but also allow crews and support personnel to showcase the availability of their assets and their response times.
Cover image: USAF – Senior Airman Tylir Meyer
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