18th Wing Airmen Strengthen Kadena Air Base's Foundation for Airpower

Airmen assigned to the 18th Operations Support Squadron and the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron are teaming up to tackle one of Kadena Air Base's most ambitious airfield repair projects of the year in Okinawa, Japan. The project will strengthen the flight line that keeps airpower moving across the Indo-Pacific.

The joint effort brings together airfield management and engineering specialists to replace worn pavement and upgrade vital runway sections, a job typically reserved for contracted construction crews. This time, the entire project is being completed in-house.

"From the moment the first truck arrived, our team had to be precise," said Air Force Master Sgt. Maria Atondo, 18th OSS airfield management supervisor. "Every minute matters when you're working with materials that set fast. The planning, timing and teamwork have been outstanding."

The operation requires careful coordination between airmen managing aircraft operations and those handling heavy equipment on the ground: balancing mission demands with safety and precision.

"Asphalt and concrete work demand accuracy," said Air Force Master Sgt. Brock Butshke, 18th CES pavements and equipment section chief. "Every step impacts the runway's performance. Our goal is to make sure it's strong, smooth and ready for anything the mission requires."

Once complete, the improved runway will enhance long-term durability and reduce the need for future repairs - ensuring Kadena Air Base remains a critical launch point for Air Force operations throughout the region.

"It's been a challenge, but our airmen are proving once again they can deliver results," Atondo said. "When this project wraps up, we'll know that every inch of this runway was built by the hands of our own team."

This collaboration highlights the base's commitment to maintaining mission readiness and the 18th Wing's ability to innovate and sustain airpower from the ground up.