KADENA AIR BASE
AIR FORCE
Japan
KADENA AIR BASE
AIR FORCE
Japan
Kadena Air Base
Base Essentials
As the host unit at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, the mission of the 18th Wing is to deliver unmatched combat airpower and a forward-staging base to provide sovereign options that promote peace and stability in the region. It is the largest combat wing in the Air Force and operates out of the largest Air Force installation in the Pacific, with a fleet including F-15 fighters, KC-135 tankers, E-3 AWACS, and HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
Pacific Air Forces
Status
Active
Est.
—
Acres
—
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
—
Economic Impact
—
Kadena Air Base History
Named After
Coming soon
History
We're currently compiling history information for Kadena Air Base.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
18th Wing
18 WG
Wing
18 WG
Wing
18th Operations Group
18 OG
Group
18 OG
Group
18th Maintenance Group
18 MXG
Group
18 MXG
Group
18th Mission Support Group
18 MSG
Group
18 MSG
Group
18th Medical Group
18 MDG
Group
18 MDG
Group
Historic Timeline
1948
18th Fighter Wing established at Clark Field, Philippines
1950
Redesignated 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing and deploys to Korea
1954
Wing takes up residence at Kadena Air Base
1979
Wing converts to the F-15 Eagle
1991
18th Wing established as a composite wing
2011
Operation Tomodachi disaster relief support
—
View Key Moments
(6)
1948
18th Fighter Wing established at Clark Field, Philippines
The 18th Fighter Wing was established on 10 August 1948 and activated at Clark Field in the Philippines, becoming the first overseas-based fighter unit to fly jet aircraft.
1950
Redesignated 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing and deploys to Korea
On 20 January 1950 the unit was redesignated the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, and it deployed to Korea in July 1950 after hostilities broke out; Maj. Louis J. Sebille was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 5 August 1950, the first such award to a member of the U.S. Air Force.
1954
Wing takes up residence at Kadena Air Base
The wing moved to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, in November 1954, where it has remained ever since.
1979
Wing converts to the F-15 Eagle
In 1979 the wing converted to the F-15 Eagle.
1991
18th Wing established as a composite wing
On 1 October 1991 the wing's designation changed to the 18th Wing, becoming one of the Air Force's largest composite wings.
2011
Operation Tomodachi disaster relief support
In March 2011 the wing delivered supplies and supported search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Kadena Air Base.
Kadena Air Base Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Kadena Air Base.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on Kadena Air Base.
Sponsor Required
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors without a DoD ID need a sponsor to get on Kadena Air Base. Escorted visitor passes are issued at the Gate 1 and Gate 2 Visitor Control Centers (Gate 1 VCC 0600-2200, Gate 2 VCC 0600-0100, 7 days a week). An authorized escort must accompany guests at all times; passes last up to 96 hours.
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Our coverage, local headlines, and upcoming events around Kadena Air Base.
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Kadena Air Base.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military and Family Readiness Center
Hours
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday, holidays, and readiness days. Closed on Tuesdays for training from 12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
In-Processing
Report to your unit's commander's support staff on the first duty day after arrival with your out-processing package from your previous base and one copy of PCS orders and amendments. All personnel must report to their commander's support staff office for in-processing within 24 hours of arrival and attend the 18th Wing Newcomer's Orientation. The Newcomer's Orientation is held on Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (excluding family days/holidays), with sign-in/registration at 8:30 to 9 a.m. Register at www.tockify.com/kadenamfrc or contact the Military and Family Readiness Center at DSN 315-634-3366.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (3 Items)
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Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Kadena Air Base.
On-Base Housing
Visit website6,928
units
There are more than 6,928 on-base housing units located on seven bases and camps throughout the island of Okinawa. All active-duty, accompanied personnel are required to reside on base if adequate military family housing (MFH) units are available, and must report to MFHO within 48 to 72 hours after arrival to check in. Unaccompanied personnel E-4 and below cannot li…
2026 BAH Calculator
Dependency Status
With Dependents
$XX,XXX per year
E-5
Location
Select a grade and location above
Data Sources
BAH rates: Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. Rates set annually by DoD based on rental survey data.
View Full BAH Rates
Verified from
installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/kadena-ab/…· September 10, 2026
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Kadena Air Base.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
3
Elementary Schools
View schools
2
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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2
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
1
Pre-K Schools
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Kadena Air Base.
Spouse Income Tax
A SOFA-status dependent who wants to work off base in Japan must first obtain written prior approval from the sponsor's…
Additional Tax Notes
View full details below.
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Pet Policies at Kadena Air Base
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Kadena Air Base.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
—
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Required Vaccinations
Pet Shipping Tips
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Kadena Air Base.
Commissary
1
Kadena AB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
2
18th Medical Group - Kadena Medical Facility — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
3
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kadena Air Base.
01
What are the gate hours?
Coming soon
02
How do I get a visitor pass?
Coming soon
03
What is the cost of living like?
Coming soon
04
Are there on-base housing options?
Coming soon
05
What schools are nearby?
Coming soon
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.