First Permanently Assigned U.S. F-15EX Fighters Arrive at Kadena, the Jet's First Overseas Combat Base
The U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing said on November 15 that the first permanently assigned F-15EX Eagle II fighters had arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, with the first two aircraft assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron. Kadena is the first overseas Air Force installation to receive combat-coded F-15EX aircraft, and the second Air Force location to field the type, after Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon.
"The arrival of the F-15EX at Kadena marks a significant milestone for American airpower in the Pacific," said Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, commander of the 18th Wing, in the announcement. "These aircraft strengthen our ability to deter aggression, respond to emerging threats, and defend Japan alongside our allies and partners. Their permanent presence at Kadena reinforces our commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and ensures we continue to bring advanced combat capabilities to one of the most strategically important regions in the world."
The arrival is the next phase of Kadena's transition: the base's F-15C/D fleet began a phased withdrawal in November 2022, ending more than four decades of service. Under a plan announced by the Department of Defense in July 2024, 36 F-15EX aircraft will replace Kadena's 48 F-15C/Ds. During the transition, fourth- and fifth-generation fighters maintained a continuous fighter presence at Kadena on rotation while the 18th Wing's aircrew, maintainers and mission support personnel prepared to employ the new platform. Pilots of the 67th Fighter Squadron trained at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and at Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon to maintain flying proficiency and complete qualification on the F-15EX.
"Getting the F-15EX to Kadena is just the beginning," said Lt. Col. Ajay Dua, commander of the 67th Fighter Squadron. "Now our focus shifts to integrating the aircraft into our flying operations, building experience as a squadron, and learning how to get the most out of its capabilities. It's an exciting time to be part of the 67th Fighter Squadron." Maj. Spencer Sherman, commander of the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said maintainers had spent years preparing for the transition, working with Boeing and Air Force teams at Eglin and Portland to build technical proficiency on the new platform.
The F-15EX brings advanced avionics, modernized electronic warfare systems and increased weapons-carrying capacity. The Air Force said its arrival expands Kadena's ability to conduct counterair operations, complements fifth-generation aircraft and supports continued bilateral readiness alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and other regional partners. Both the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons will operate the F-15EX at Kadena. The 18th Wing also said it will celebrate its centennial in 2027, marking 100 years since its activation as the 18th Pursuit Group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii, on January 21, 1927.
(Source: U.S. Air Force 18th Wing)
Source: U.S. Air Force 18th Wing
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：一架常驻嘉手纳的 F-15EX「鹰II」战斗机（尾号22-022）2026年11月15日在日本冲绳嘉手纳空军基地着陆。美国空军照片，一等兵 Nathaniel Jackson 摄（公共领域，经 DVIDS 发布）。 / Photo: A permanently assigned F-15EX Eagle II fighter (tail 22-022) lands at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, on November 15, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson (public domain, via DVIDS).
