U.S. F-15s To Leave Okinawa Without Permanent Replacement

[elderforest]

From an article on The Drive: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u ... ent-report

The only overseas U.S. Air Force F-15C/D Eagle units, at Kadena Air Base on the Japanese island of Okinawa, are to be withdrawn next year, according to a report today in the Financial Times. The move would see the current permanent units under the 18th Wing replaced by rotational fighter detachments. Not surprisingly, the news has already attracted criticism as a retrograde measure at a time when Chinese military power and political ambitions are expanding in the region.

[TouchDown]

Another article:

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/after ... to-kadena/

[Starbuck]

US Forces just announced the first several F-15s from the 18th FW will depart Kadena on 1st Dec 2022 as part of the phased withdrawal.

The jets will fly to Kingsley ANG base and from there some will be sent to other CONUS ANG Bases and the rest to 309th AMARG at Davis Monthan.

https://www.kadena.af.mil/News/Article/ ... al-begins/

[Blackcat1]

So is that no F15Cs with active duty squadrons now?

[Northsky]

The USAF dont do intercepts of Chinese aircraft from Kadena . The JASDF do it from Naha.

[Starbuck]

So is that no F15Cs with active duty squadrons now?

They're still active in Kadena for the moment, just starting to remove some of them.

[Blackcat1]

Thanks!

[Worldnis]

The first two cells of F-15C's have left Kadena beginning of December, moving the jets to Kingsley Field, OR. Reported departure on Kadena AFB website.
Twelve were listed [on milspotters], while Kingsley Field's 173FW mentions receiving 14. Seven should move on to other ANG units, three to stay with the 173rd and four to 309 MASDG.
The total drawdown is supposed to take two years, according to the CO of 18FW (Kadena).