BB26-1 showcases combat readiness at Kadena

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — The 18th Wing launched readiness exercise Beverly Beach 26-1 on Aug. 3, with F-22 Raptors from the 27th and 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons lifting off after months of planning, final inspections, and synchronized support that involved hundreds of Airmen.

The exercise evaluates the wing’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower through agile combat employment, emphasizing the speed, coordination, and flexibility needed to operate in a contested environment. Airmen executed integrated flight operations intended to strengthen mission readiness and improve responsiveness to emerging challenges across the Indo-Pacific.

“We’re getting a lot of local flying to build our combat readiness,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brenden Torphy, 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron director of operations. “Exercises like this allow us to train under realistic conditions and ensure we’re ready to defend Kadena, our allies and our partners whenever we’re called upon.”

The F-22 launches marked one phase of the exercise, with each sortie relying on base-wide coordination: maintainers generated aircraft, operations personnel synchronized flying schedules, and support teams ensured resources and equipment were in place to sustain the mission.

“This is what we do every day,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Claudia Verissimo, 27th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief. “We stay ready, so we don’t have to get ready. Exercises like this reinforce the work we put in every day and ensure our aircraft are ready whenever they’re needed.”

Routine readiness drills like Beverly Beach 26-1 remain central to maintaining a credible combat force capable of projecting airpower at a moment’s notice. By regularly testing its operational capabilities, the 18th Wing underscores its commitment to defending the installation, supporting regional stability, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.