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Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin Schneider visited Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on April 29, meeting with Airmen across the 18th Wing and surveying the installation’s ability to generate and sustain combat power across the Indo-Pacific.
During a day of briefings and unit stops, Schneider spoke with personnel in intelligence, maintenance, logistics, air mobility, fighter operations and combat search and rescue to see how the wing integrates capabilities in support of joint and allied missions. As part of the visit, he flew aboard an HH-60W Jolly Green II with the 33rd Rescue Squadron to observe the coordination and capabilities required for combat search and rescue.
“Search and rescue is fundamental to how we sustain combat power, and visits like this offer a firsthand look at the professionalism and readiness of the force,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “It provides insight into how we execute the mission and reinforces confidence in Kadena’s ability to respond when called upon across the Indo-Pacific.”
Schneider also reviewed ongoing infrastructure efforts aimed at strengthening readiness and long-term mission sustainment, and met with Airmen and unit leaders to discuss operational demands, morale, quality-of-life issues and other challenges tied to the region’s high operational tempo.
“The dedication and passion I saw from the Airmen here is exactly why Kadena represents the standard for how we generate and sustain combat power in the Indo-Pacific,” Schneider said. “Their ability to integrate operations, maintenance, logistics and support functions ensures we remain ready to deter aggression and project power across the region.”
Kadena serves as a forward-operating hub for U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific and is home to the Air Force’s largest combat wing. Its location on Okinawa enables rapid employment of mobility, rescue and fighter capabilities alongside allies and partners across the theater. Senior leader engagements like Schneider’s are intended to keep command teams closely linked to front-line Airmen and the resources that turn strategy into day-to-day operations.
