Kadena Air Base in Japan continued its ongoing F-15C Eagle divestment plan with the departure of four aircraft on Aug. 24. This event marks another milestone in the transition to F-15EX Eagle IIs. The final flight date for the remaining F-15Cs at Kadena remains undetermined, though the process is well underway.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Edward Yankus
On Aug. 15, crew chiefs and pilots from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 67th Fighter Squadron organized a final flight for F-15C Eagle A5095. This traditional ceremony marked the aircraft’s last flight before its scheduled demilitarization, further symbolizing the gradual end of the F-15C era at Kadena.
Maj. Celestino Aguon, Maj. Alexander Frank, Maj. Robert Oehmke, and 1st Lt. Claire Carey piloted the four-ship departure on August 24. These F-15Cs are destined for the “boneyard” or reassignment to other Air Force units.
The F-15C, combat-ready since 1975, boasts an undefeated aerial combat record of 104 wins and zero losses. Staff Sgt. Clark Pacay, dedicated crew chief for A5095, emphasized, “It’s purely a dominant aircraft. To me, the F-15C means a long history of tradition with an undying legacy.”
During the transition, deployed fighter units are maintaining regional security at Kadena. SSgt. Evan Schneider, an F-15C crew chief, noted, “These deployed units are filling the gaps [between the F-15C and F-15EX]. While we’re focusing on the divestment, the deployed units are maintaining security in the AOR.”
Maj. Peter Gawor, 67th Fighter Squadron director of operations, highlighted the F-15EX’s potential: “The F-15EX will be a new platform with new capabilities. It will give us an incredible edge while maintaining the F-15 heritage and projecting air superiority in the Pacific region.”
The U.S. Air Force’s modernization plan aims to enhance Kadena’s combat capabilities with F-15EX Eagle IIs while maintaining a rotational presence during the phased withdrawal of F-15 C/Ds. This ongoing transition signifies a new era in Kadena’s air superiority capabilities, balancing the F-15C’s legacy with the advanced features of the F-15EX.
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