In a strategic move to maintain continuous fighter capabilities at Kadena Air Base, F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, have arrived in Japan. This deployment marks a critical phase in the return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.
These National Guard Eagles will collaborate with a diverse range of fighter aircraft, including heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth-generation fighters, stationed at Kadena Air Base. This joint effort is aimed at bolstering operational readiness and defending Japan while upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Lt. Col. Jon Vanbragt, commander of the 144th Operations Group, expressed enthusiasm about this joint endeavor, stating, “Our squadron’s excited to train and integrate with Team Kadena and our bilateral partners. Operating in the Indo-Pacific offers immense opportunities for our Airmen and allies to strengthen our partnerships and continue to refine our tactics.”
The arrival of the F-15C Eagles at Kadena enhances the 18th Wing’s ability to operate dynamically in a fluid airspace and area of operation. This ensures that U.S. Forces Japan and allied partners are prepared to deliver potent and credible airpower in defense of U.S. allies and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Colonel Henry Schantz, commander of the 18th Wing Operations Group, emphasized the importance of a diverse fighter presence in the Indo-Pacific region. He said, “The F-15s presence in the Indo-Pacific region has not only been a valuable opportunity for the units deployed here to train alongside joint and bilateral partners, but it has demonstrated the expanse of capabilities a diverse fighter presence provides in a dynamic theater.”
Amid these deployments, the 18th Wing remains committed to adhering to bilateral agreements with the Government of Japan regarding noise abatement. Visiting aircrews are briefed on local noise abatement procedures, and mission planners give due consideration to minimizing local impacts.
As the 18th Wing continues the phased return of Kadena’s fleet of Eagles to the United States, the Department of Defense remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a steady-state fighter presence in the region. This approach involves temporary deployments of aircraft to preserve deterrence capabilities and offer flexibility in this dynamic theater.
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