Dozens of US aircraft line up in Okinawa display

The U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing conducted a high-profile display of combat power and joint coordination on May 6, 2025, as dozens of U.S. military aircraft lined up for a large-scale elephant walk at Kadena Air Base,in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

According to the Air Force, the event included 24 F-35A Lightning IIs, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, six HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters, two MQ-9 Reapers, two MC-130J Commando II aircraft, six KC-135 Stratotankers, one RC-135 Rivet Joint, one E-3G Sentry, two Navy EA-18 Growlers, one Navy P-8 Poseidon, and two U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriot missile systems.

The exercise was designed to demonstrate the readiness of joint U.S. forces operating across the Indo-Pacific.

The operation, which included air and missile defense elements from the Air Force, Navy, and Army, highlighted the U.S. military’s focus on integrated, multi-domain capabilities. Personnel from across Okinawa worked with maintenance and operations teams to ensure the precise movement and positioning of the aircraft on the runway.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, said, “Working alongside our allies and partners, Kadena stands ready to project airpower throughout the region to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Col. David Deptula, commander of the 18th Operations Group, added, “From maintenance and aircrew to logistics and sustainment, it’s a total team effort that reflects the strength and professionalism of the joint team at Kadena.”

The 18th Wing said in a release that events like this elephant walk reinforce the U.S. commitment to defending the first island chain and deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The display comes amid heightened tensions in the region and underscores the strategic importance of Kadena as a forward-operating hub for U.S. airpower.

Source. defence blog