The deployment builds on the F-15EX’s inaugural visit to Kadena last year. It gives Airmen another opportunity to train alongside the aircraft before it becomes part of Kadena’s long-term mission.
The visit represents the next phase of the Department of the War’s effort to replace Kadena’s F-15C/D Eagle fleet with F-15EX aircraft. Operating the Eagle II from its future home station allows pilots, maintainers and support personnel to refine tactics, procedures and sustainment practices for operations across the Indo-Pacific.
“Building familiarity with the aircraft now will help ensure a smooth transition as the Eagle II becomes part of Kadena’s long-term mission and strengthens combat readiness across the Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Casey Watts, commander of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. The deployment also supports the base’s preparation for long-term F-15EX operations.
Airmen from across the 18th Wing will use the visit to strengthen integration between operations, maintenance and mission support organizations. The work will include direct engagement with the aircraft and the systems needed to support it.
The deployment will also help validate maintenance procedures, logistics requirements and combat generation capabilities. These activities are intended to support future F-15EX operations at Kadena.
The F-15EX is equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced survivability, modern electronic warfare systems and increased weapons capacity. The Air Force said the aircraft will strengthen Kadena’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
Operating the aircraft from its future home station gives Airmen firsthand experience with its systems and support requirements. This experience comes before the Eagle II becomes part of the wing’s daily operations.
“The F-15EX represents the next chapter of airpower at Kadena,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “Our Airmen have the opportunity to train with the aircraft, build confidence in its capabilities and ensure we’re ready to project lethality and integrate into operations as we continue providing combat power in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
For the 67th Fighter Squadron, the deployment provides another opportunity to build the operational knowledge and technical expertise needed to employ the Eagle II. The squadron will become Kadena’s first operational F-15EX unit.
Future pilots, maintainers and support personnel are participating in integration events with the test aircraft. The work is intended to refine the tactics and sustainment practices that will support the squadron’s mission when the F-15EX joins Kadena’s flight line.
Each integration event moves the 18th Wing closer to fielding the Eagle II as part of its enduring mission in the Indo-Pacific. By bringing together operators, maintainers and mission support Airmen, the wing is preparing to employ the aircraft from day one.
