U.S. Air Force conducts readiness exercise with F-22A Raptors and F-15C Eagles at Kadena Air Base

By Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. Air Force conducted a large-scale readiness exercise on 15 January 2025, showcasing the capabilities of F-22A Raptors and F-15C Eagles. The training missions, involving multiple airframes, highlighted the strategic role of Kadena as a cornerstone of operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

The exercise featured Raptors from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, and Eagles from Kadena’s 67th Fighter Squadron. These aircraft are part of a robust U.S. presence aimed at deterring aggression and maintaining fighter readiness in the region.

“Kadena is one of the bases that has so many different airframes that make it the Keystone of the Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Benjamin Alesse, production superintendent for the 67th Fighter Squadron. He emphasised the importance of integrating fourth- and fifth-generation fighters as part of Kadena’s ongoing modernisation efforts.

 

 

To ensure seamless operations, Kadena’s transitional fighter squadrons collaborate with additional reconnaissance, heavy, and advanced fighter aircraft. The F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs from the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron are currently stationed at the base to sustain fighter coverage during the return of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.

Master Sgt. Alesse highlighted the benefits of the diverse airframes stationed at Kadena. “Recently with the F-16 being here, we went through hot-pit training in order to get our crew chiefs certified on hot-pit refuelling F-16s,” he said, referencing a key operational capability for rapid turnaround during missions.

 

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