200909-F-YW474-0010

U.S. Air Force 18th Wing leaders salute the arrival of Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, Sept. 9, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen Schneider visited Team Kadena in order to discuss topics such as mission readiness and counter-COVID operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200909-F-YW474-0027

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, greets 18th Wing leaders upon arrival, Sept. 9, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider visited Team Kadena in order to address mission readiness, counter-COVID operations, and to give recognition to distinguished Airmen across the Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0020

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner, U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, and Chief Master Sgt. Jessica Bender, 18th Wing command chief master sergeant, hold a breakfast with Airmen, Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Winegardner spoke about training, readiness, racial disparity, mental health, and leadership goals. The visit by USFJ leaders enabled them to communicate headquarters strategies directly to Team Kadena as well as receive feedback and listen to Airmen’s concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0045

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, engages in counter-COVID-19 operations discussion with members of the future operations cell Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider visited Team Kadena in order to address topics of concern and receive feedback on how Airmen are overcoming pandemic-related issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0040

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner, U.S. Forces Japan senior enlisted leader, speaks with Airmen in the COVID-19 current operations center, Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The visit by USFJ leaders enabled them to communicate headquarters strategies directly to Team Kadena as well as receive feedback and listen to Airmen’s concerns. USFJ leaders visited Team Kadena in order to discuss topics such as mission readiness and counter-COVID operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0054

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner, USFJ senior enlisted leader, receive an F-15C Eagle maintenance brief from Maj. Alexander Pagano, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations officer, Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider and Chief Master Sgt. Winegardner visited Team Kadena in order to learn more about how Airmen across the base are overcoming operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. USFJ leadership also had the opportunity to communicate headquarters mission strategies directly to 18th Wing leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0067

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Timothy Torres, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing non-commissioned officer in charge, catches a coin from Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, during a recognition event, Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider visited Team Kadena in order to engage with leaders about headquarters mission strategies, receive feedback on wing operations, and to give personal recognition to distinguished Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0086

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, and Airman 1st Class Jacob Janusz, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, bump elbows during a recognition event Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider visited Team Kadena in order to communicate headquarters strategies directly to Team Kadena as well as receive feedback and listen to Airmen’s concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

200911-F-YW474-0102

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Winegardner, USFJ senior enlisted leader, tour the new Habu Fitness Center still under construction, Sept. 11, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Lt. Gen. Schneider and Chief Master Sgt. Winegardner visited Team Kadena and received mission operations feedback from members of Team Kadena and listened to their concerns which included COVID-19, mental health, leadership, and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

5th Air Force, USFJ commander visits Team Kadena

Published Sept. 13, 2020
By Staff Sgt. Peter Reft
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --