Category: United States Defense

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, touched down at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2025, the latest round of U.S. Air Force fighter deployments to the Pacific.

As part of its modernization plan, the U.S. Air Force is retiring the aging F-15C/D fleet of aircraft that has been in service for more than 40 years. Kadena maintains a steady-state fighter presence by hosting fourth- and fifth-generation fighters to backfill the F-15C/D Eagles as they return to the United States.

The 134th EFS will be integrating with F-22 Raptors from the 525th EFS and F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th EFS to continually provide forward fighter capabilities in support of theater deterrence and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives.

“Our squadron eagerly anticipates the chance to elevate our training by testing ACE concepts during this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Trevor Callen, 134th EFS commander. “We are committed to leveraging our experiences and techniques alongside our bilateral partners and Kadena flying units, which will significantly enhance our operational versatility in the Indo-Pacific.”

As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment. The 18th Wing will continue to receive rotational units that strengthen capabilities, such as ACE, and project combat power in concert with allies and partners.

These continuous rotations of aircraft at Kadena ensure the 18th Wing remains flexible and postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to deter acts of aggression.

“Kadena’s commitment to regional deterrence is ironclad,” said Col. David Deptula, 18th Wing Operations Group commander. “Rotational aircraft are a normal part of Kadena’s operations, and their presence ensures the continuation of our long-standing mission to defend Japan and maintain an open and free Indo-Pacific.”

Throughout these deployments, the 18th Wing will continue to comply with applicable bilateral agreements with the Government of Japan. All visiting aircrews receive thorough briefings on local noise abatement procedures and mission planners will continue to give due consideration to the local community.

Modernizing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority. The transition to more capable aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the DoD’s continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of its Alliance with Japan.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of two future Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers as the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83).

The future USS William J. Clinton honors President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 1993 to 2001. The future USS George W. Bush honors President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 2001 to 2009. This will be the first Navy vessel named for either president.

The names follow the Navy tradition of often naming aircraft carriers after U.S. presidents.

“President Clinton and President Bush led the United States through some of the most challenging moments in U.S. history,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Their legacies will endure through these aircraft carriers, which serve as formidable platforms dedicated to safeguarding our national security and strengthening our resolve to protect this Nation against any who would threaten our freedoms and way of life.”

As Commander-in-Chief, Clinton was responsible for multiple military operations that achieved success with no combat casualties including Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994, Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, and Operation Allied Force in 1999. In response to a reported Iraqi attempt to assassinate former President H.W. Bush, President Clinton directed a U.S. Navy cruise missile strike against Iraqi intelligence headquarters in 1993, and another cruise missile strike in 1996, Operation Desert Strike, to deter Iraqi aggression. These strikes were followed in 1998 by Operation Desert Fox, an air campaign to degrade Iraqi capability to produce weapons of mass destruction. In 1996, he directed the largest deployment of U.S. naval forces since the Vietnam War in response to the Third Taiwan Straits Crisis to deter Chinese aggression.

Among his numerous diplomatic achievements, President Clinton had a pivotal role in the Oslo Accords, which established a framework for peace between Israel and Palestinians and was also instrumental in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which ended conflict in Northern Ireland. He declared Iran a “state sponsor of terrorism” and imposed substantial sanctions on Iran. An integral part of the “Agreed Framework” of 1994, his efforts temporarily halted North

Korean attempts to develop nuclear weapons. He established full diplomatic relations with Vietnam and oversaw the first expansion of NATO since 1982, with the addition of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, as well as creating the Partnership-for-Peace program with nations of the former Soviet Union.

“It’s never far from my mind that the precious freedoms Americans enjoy are safeguarded by our armed forces, anchored by a strong, modern, and agile Navy. I’m honored that future servicemembers carrying on that proud tradition will serve on a carrier bearing my name,” said President Bill Clinton.

During a private ceremony at the White House on Jan. 3, 2025, along with the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsor for the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) will be Ms. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of President Clinton. She will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Bush rallied the nation in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. He forged an international coalition of 25 NATO members and 17 partner nations to execute Operation Enduring Freedom, dismantling terrorist networks in Afghanistan. He spearheaded the largest U.S. government reorganization since 1947, creating the Department of Homeland Security by combining 22 federal agencies and establishing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to integrate operations across 18 intelligence agencies. He also signed the USA Patriot Act, updated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and directed deployment of aggressive financial measures to freeze terrorists’ assets.

In 2003, he directed Operation Iraqi Freedom, which ended the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and enabled Iraq’s first direct elections in over three decades. On the global stage, President Bush supported a further expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, while working with Russia to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles. Recognizing the evolving nature of global threats, he directed the establishment of the U.S. Africa Command and advanced the planning for U.S. Cyber Command. He also launched the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a historic humanitarian initiative that saved millions of lives. Throughout his tenure, President Bush increased defense spending by more than a third to modernize the military and accelerate technological advancements, ensuring the United States Armed Forces remained the most capable in the world.

“I am honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our Nation’s might,” said former President Bush. “I have a special admiration for the men and women of our Navy – including my dad – and ask God to watch over this ship and those who sail aboard her.”

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces – the most adaptable and survivable airfields in the world. On any given day, Sailors aboard an aircraft carrier and its air wing come to the fight trained and equipped to fulfill a wide range of missions. They are ready to

control the sea, conduct strikes, and maneuver across the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. No other naval force fields a commensurate range and depth of combat capabilities.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

Emergency responders from across the 18th Wing collaborated in a major accident response exercise (MARE) in support of a base-wide routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 12, 2025.

During the MARE, the Kadena Fire Department and 18th Security Forces Squadron trained to respond to an aircraft incident. After securing the scene, first responders prioritized simulated casualty care while 18th Civil Engineer Squadron’s engineering assistants and explosive ordnance disposal teams began recovery operations to prevent further damage.

“The highest priority is being ready to save lives.” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Drew Sturgeon, 18th CEG infrastructure systems superintendent. “If there are casualties, responders are going to safely go in there and get them the medical care that they need.”

Through diverse exercises, the 18th Wing validates and strengthens shared responsibilities, tactics, procedures and systems that will enable units to operate together seamlessly in the event of a real-world crisis.

“The more our Airmen practice, the more familiar the procedures become,” said Sturgeon. “The Airmen learn to control their stress as they execute their mission which prepares them for when real world events happen.”

Working together, all responding units ensured that the simulated casualties were given necessary care and further damage to the aircraft and surrounding area was kept to a minimum to complete their training scenario.

Large scale readiness exercises allow Kadena units to practice working seamlessly alongside one another to accomplish the mission under adverse conditions.