Photo By Airman Nathaniel Jackson | Two U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Generation...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron and the 18th Security Forces Squadron responded to a simulated intruder scenario on the flight line during base-wide operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 6, 2025.
The scenario began when maintainers noticed a van approaching the restricted area boundary. Moments later, a man in civilian clothing exited the vehicle and began running toward parked aircraft.
“When we saw someone break red and head toward the jets, we immediately called it out and reacted,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Elijah Ivey, 119th EFGS tactical aircraft maintainer crew chief. “Everyone worked together to stop the threat and keep the aircraft secure until security forces arrived.”
The exercise tested Airmen’s ability to recognize and respond to potential flight line security breaches, emphasizing communication and teamwork between maintenance and security personnel.
“We have valuable and mission critical assets out here along with the pilots and maintainers working around them,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Martino, 119th EFGS flight chief. “We can’t risk anyone coming near those who shouldn’t be there. It’s one team, one fight; we all play a part in protecting the mission and maintaining airpower.”
Exercises like BH 26-1 strengthen readiness across Kadena Air Base, ensuring every Airman, from maintainers to defenders, is prepared to safeguard personnel, equipment, and aircraft to sustain airpower across the Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 01:57 |
| Story ID: | 550756 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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