Aircraft Return

The Air Force's main operating base in the Asia Pacific has emerged from Typhoon Neoguri relatively undamaged and up to 60 aircraft, including Navy and Marine Corps platforms, have returned to the base after being evacuated earlier this week.

Kadena Air Base is located on Japan's Okinawa island chain, directly in the path of the typhoon.

The typhoon hit the base on Tuesday as a Category 4, and according to early assessments from a base spokesman, the weather event caused some flooding and damaged a number of installations, but there were no reports of serious injury or aircraft damage.

Kadena AB is home to the 18th Wing, the service's largest combat wing. In a July 11 email to InsideDefense.com, 18th Wing spokesman Staff Sgt. Alexy Saltekoff said about 60 aircraft were relocated for safety following an evacuation order on July 6. Those aircraft were mostly larger platforms, including KC-135 stratotankers, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft and Navy P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.

“They are already back as of July 10 local [time],” Saltekoff said. “We weren't notified of any damage to aircraft.”

Saltekoff said his office is coordinating with the base hospital, but there has been no word of any serious injuries.

The typhoon was a Category 4 when it hit the Okinawa region, Saltekoff said, but it left the region as a Category 3. Maximum winds of 40 knots and gusts of 62 knots were recorded at the base, he said.

“No vehicles on the base were blown away, but many were flooded in low-lying areas, especially on Camp Shields due to parking lots flooding,” the staff sergeant said. “We received reports of broken windows and damaged/removed doors, especially in housing, and are working repairs to all.”

18th Wing is comprised of three associated wings: 376th Strategic Wing, 18th Combat Support Wing and 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. The base is also home to a combat rescue squadron, which operates HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.