Photo By Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess | Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, 5th Air Force commander, is greeted by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col....... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, 5th Air Force commander, visited Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 18-22, 2026, to gain a firsthand look at the 18th Wing’s operations and mission readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
As a key hub for U.S. airpower in the region, Kadena plays a critical role in projecting combat capability and supporting joint and allied operations. Carey’s visit focused on how Airmen sustain a high operational tempo while enabling rapid response across the Pacific. During the visit, Carey met with 18th Wing leadership and Airmen, received mission briefs and toured operational areas to better understand how teams execute day-to-day operations that support regional security and stability.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to come back to Kadena and witness how the wing has evolved in its critical role to project and sustain combat power across the Indo-Pacific,” said Carey. “Alongside our joint and allied partners, our world class Airmen overcome challenges every day to deliver air power in a demanding environment, and their professionalism and innovation continue to keep us ready to compete, deter, and if required, win.”
Carey emphasized the importance of sustaining readiness through continued investment in people, processes and infrastructure to ensure the installation remains capable of supporting current and future mission requirements.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, highlighted the role of Airmen in sustaining mission effectiveness and the importance of senior leader engagement. “Maintaining readiness in this environment requires constant focus and adaptation,” said Gallemore. “Our Airmen continue to find ways to deliver, and leader engagement ensures we’re positioned to support the mission now and into the future.”
The visit was part of a broader effort to engage with Airmen and assess readiness across Pacific Air Forces installations. Previous stops included Misawa Air Base and Yokota Air Base, where leadership engagements reinforced the importance of integrated operations and cohesive teams.
As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena Air Base remains postured to deliver rapid, credible airpower. Carey’s visit underscored the installation’s role in sustaining readiness and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2026 23:39 |
| Story ID: | 563946 |
| Location: | KADENA, JP |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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