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U.S. Joint force continues to improve integration and investments at Kadena

  • Published
  • By Mr. Christopher Dong
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  

The 18th Wing, in partnership with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) continues to modernize key installation and airfield infrastructure towards improving force readiness and joint interoperability at Kadena Air Base, Japan. 

Critical investments include airfield infrastructure, communication network overhauls, and facility power redundancy, along with operational equipment supporting Agile Combat Employment capabilities. As the Keystone of the Pacific, these investments serve as a foundation for strengthening joint and bilateral power projection and reassure allies and partners of the U.S. Forces’ ability to successfully generate multi-domain training operations and exercises.

Under the PMTEC Charter, modernizing infrastructure, strengthening force capabilities and investing in improved resilience and survivability are critical to the Kadena’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific theater. Through detailed project planning, coordination, and execution, the 18th Wing was able to exceed 95% threshold for implementing approved 2024 operations, activities, and investments under the PMTEC initiative.

Master Sgt. Ryan McKee, 18th Operations Support Squadron resource advisor, commended the hard work of the teams involved including: 18th OSS, 18th Communications Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 18th Contracting Squadron who worked ceaselessly to bring the endeavor to fruition. 

One prime example of the joint integration that went into this project is the new radio communications assets strategically positioned to reach aircraft and maritime vessels at twice the distance of current capabilities. Partnerships with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, U.S. Army 78th Signal Battalion, and industry resulted in innovative solutions that address a joint operational limitation. To reliably network this communications expansion to Kadena, near obsolete installation infrastructure also required comprehensive overhaul, made possible through approved PMTEC funding.

This work not only required internal collaboration but also relied on close coordination with Japan Host-Nation defense partners, specifically alignment in procedural and infrastructural requirements necessary to realize seamless interoperability and near future Live, Virtual, Constructive-enabled training. The investments derived from the PMTEC initiative will continue to support Kadena Air Base’s presence as a force multiplier in further modernization efforts to come.