Kadena Completes Successful Deployment Test

Kadena Completes Successful Deployment Test: Most of the more than 100 airmen from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, who had gone to Andersen AFB, Guam, on Aug. 31 in a test of the wing’s deployment capabilities returned home Sept. 8. During those eight days, tankers from Kadena's 909th Air Refueling Squadron and F-15s from its 67th Fighter Squadron trained alongside F-22s and B-52s deployed from stateside units to Andersen. “We don't do this often, but it's a good workout and it's a testament to the operations group and the 18th Wing's ability to organically operate and be successful in this environment,” said Capt. Tom Hunt, 67th FS project officer. The wing’s contingent overall was more efficient this time around compared to a similar test in 2006, flying the same number of sorties per aircraft despite with a smaller footprint. (Andersen report by TSgt. Mike Tateishi)

9/11/2009

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Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

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Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.