Maintainers from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Maintainers from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and pilots assigned to the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons conduct a mass aircraft generation exercise Aug. 22 and 23, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Maintainers loaded AIM-9 sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, flares, and M-61A1 cannon rounds onto F-15 Eagles, before the aircraft taxied and were dispersed around the flight line. Kadena participates in a variety of routine training exercises throughout the year to maintain a consistent high standard of readiness and expertise. F-15s assigned to Kadena Air Base taxied on the flight line during a training exercise Aug. 23 while loaded with live ammunition. This training was not in response to or in anticipation of any regional concerns. While no planes took off from the flightline, this routine exercise helped ensure Kadena’s ability to provide air superiority in the defense of Japan and promoting peace and stability throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Reft/Released)