Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots and U.S. Air Force pilots from the 18th Wing watch a piano burn during the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The 18th Wing received its first F-15C on Sept. 29, 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 18th Wing adds kindling to a fire during the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration Piano Burn at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano burning tradition started after a Royal Air Force pilot known for playing the piano was killed in action during World War II. The members of the RAF squadron honored the fallen pilot by burning the piano in his honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

An attendee of the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration Piano Burn takes a photo during the event at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The F-15 Eagle has ensured air superiority for the U.S. and its Allies across the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility since 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col William Strohecker, 44th Fighter Squadron commander, tells attendees about the history of piano burns during the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration Piano Burn at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano burning tradition started after a Royal Air Force pilot known for playing the piano was killed in action during World War II. The members of the RAF squadron honored the fallen pilot by burning the piano in his honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

Attendees of the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration talk with each other as a piano burns at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano burning tradition started after a Royal Air Force pilot known for playing the piano was killed in action during World War II. The members of the RAF squadron honored the fallen pilot by burning the piano in his honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

Attendees of the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration Piano Burn pose for a photo at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The F-15 Eagle has ensured air superiority for the U.S. and its Allies across the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility since 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 18th Wing talks with attendees of the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration Piano Burn at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The 18th Wing received its first F-15C on Sept. 29, 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration: Piano Burn

A piano burns during the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The F-15 has an unmatched record aerial record and has served the U.S. for more than four decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

Kadena Eagle Sunset: Piano Burn

Published April 22, 2023
By TSgt. Micaiah Anthony
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots and U.S. Air Force pilots from the 18th Wing watch a piano burn during the Kadena Eagle Sunset Celebration at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 14, 2023. The piano was burned to honor the history and service of the F-15C and D models as they return to the U.S. for divestment. The 18th Wing received its first F-15C on Sept. 29, 1979. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)