Aerial view of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, showing long rows of covered aircraft parking shelters beside taxiways, grassy areas, and base buildings.

photo by Technical Sgt. Donald S. McMichael

Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Kadena Air Base

Kadena Air Base on Okinawa puts U.S. airpower closer to where it is needed in the western Pacific.

About the Place

Kadena is known as the Keystone of the Pacific for its position and range of flying missions. Fighters, aerial refueling tankers, airborne warning aircraft and rescue crews work together here to protect U.S. and Japanese interests.

1945 | Wartime start

Crushed-coral airfield enters combat

1954 | Jet age

18th Wing brings F-86 Sabres

1968 | Cold War skies

SR-71 Blackbird missions begin

2026 | Modern mission

F-22 Raptors arrive on rotation