The U.S Air Force’s 18th Wing conducted the final flight of a Kadena F-15C Eagle, marking not only the end of the aircraft’s 45-year legacy at the base but also the last flight of any active-duty F-15C in the U.S. Air Force. The milestone event, which follows the base’s “Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration” held in April 2023, coincided with a major organizational transformation as the base activated the 67th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) on Jan. 24.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel
“Kadena-based F-15C/D Eagles have ensured air superiority for decades to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Combat Command commander, who previously commanded the 18th Wing from 2009 to 2011 and flew F-15s at Kadena as a captain from 1993 to 1996. “We owe the many men and women, past and present, who have flown, maintained and supported the F-15 for their invaluable contributions toward peace and safety in the region.”
The aircraft received a ceremonial final salute before transitioning to its new role as a maintenance training aircraft.
“Because of Kadena’s strategic location, we must maintain capabilities to address near-term threats while accelerating vital modernization efforts necessary for success in a high-end conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Randy Schwinler, 18th Maintenance Group commander. “While we bid farewell to a legendary platform, we’re simultaneously enhancing our maintenance capabilities to meet future challenges.”
The base underwent a major organizational restructuring with the deactivation of the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) and the activation of the 67th FGS. U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric Boehm, who relinquished command of the 18th AMXS, assumed command of the newly activated 67th FGS during the ceremony.
This reorganization implements the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization concept, bringing maintainers and operators closer together. “We continue to seek ways to become a more capable and agile force,” Schwinler explained. “This new structure builds a strong mindset between maintainers and their respective flying squadrons, increasing our operational readiness to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The transition includes the implementation of the Fighter Integration Tactics and Training (FITT) program, preparing maintenance personnel for the arrival of the F-15EX Eagle II. “The FITT program will allow our maintainers to work within a similar climate, in concert with dynamic force employment leadership,” said Maj. Boehm. “This enables us to exercise global application essential to agile combat employment.”
“Pacific Air Forces’ commitment to regional deterrence and the defense of Japan remains ironclad,” Wilsbach said. “We’ve deployed Airmen and advanced combat fighters to Kadena from across the globe, ensuring no gaps in fighter coverage through this transition as we modernize our forces in the region.”
The Pentagon will maintain a continuous fighter presence by temporarily deploying newer and more advanced aircraft to backfill the F-15s. The new F-15EX will bring enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities, including advanced weapon systems and cutting-edge avionics.
The transition marks a shift from Kadena’s traditional air-to-air exclusive mission to a multi-role capability. This change reflects the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for more versatile air power.
“While we close this historic chapter of the F-15C at Kadena, we’re opening another that promises even greater capabilities for our forces in the Pacific,” said Boehm. “The legacy of excellence established by the F-15C will continue with the F-15EX, ensuring we maintain air superiority in this critical region for decades to come.”
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