18th Wing

October 2019 January 2026 January 2026 December 2012 18th Wing USAF - 18th Wing.png 200 18th Wing emblem August 1948–present USA Fighter / Command & Control / Airlift / Search and rescue Fifth Air ForcePacific Air Forces Brig Gen John B. Gallemore Kadena Air Base la Unguibus Et Rostro With Talons and Beak Korean War Robert L. Rutherford Patrick K. Gamble Richard E. Hawley William T. Hobbins Lauris Norstad George B. Simler Robert F. Titus Bud Anderson Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm The United States Air Force's 18th Wing is the host wing for Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan and is the Air Force's largest combat wing. It is the largest and principal organization in the Pacific Air Forces Fifth Air Force. The Wing's 18th Operations Group is a successor organization of the 18th Pursuit Group, one of the 15 original combat air groups formed by the Army before World War II. Mission The 18th Wing's mission is to defend U.S. and Japanese' mutual interests by providing a responsive staging and operational airbase with integrated, deployable, forward-based airpower. The focus of the unit's operations is directed to accomplishing this mission. Strategy used to employ this mission centers around a composite force of combat-ready fighter, air refueling, airborne warning and control and rescue aircraft as well as medical aircrews tasked with transporting patients by air. Units The 18th Wing is composed of five groups each with specific functions. The Operations Group controls all flying and airfield operations. The Maintenance Group performs Aircraft and Aircraft support equipment maintenance. The Mission Support Group has a wide range of responsibilities but a few of its functions are Security, Communications, Personnel Management, Logistics, Services and Contracting support. The Civil Engineer Group provides facilities management, while the Medical Group provides medical and dental care. 18th Operations Group (Tail Code: ZZ) 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (Medical Aircrews) 31st Rescue Squadron (Pararescue) 33d Rescue Squadron (HH-60G) 44th Fighter Squadron "Vampire Bats" (F-15C/D) 67th Fighter Squadron "Fighting Cocks" (F-15C/D) 623d Air Control Squadron "Lightsword" (JADGE) 909th Air Refueling Squadron "Young Tigers" (KC-135R) 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron "Ronin/Cowboy" (E-3B/C) 18th Mission Support Group 18th Contracting Squadron 18th Communications Squadron 18th Force Support Squadron 18th Force Support Squadron Detachment 2 @ Bellows AFS https://www.bellowsafs.com/ Bellows Air Force Station Bellows Air Force Station 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron 18th Security Forces Squadron 18th Maintenance Group 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 18th Component Maintenance Squadron 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron 18th Munitions Squadron 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 18th Medical Group 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron 18th Dental Squadron 18th Medical Operations Squadron 18th Medical Support Squadron 18th Civil Engineer Group 18th Civil Engineer Squadron 718th Civil Engineer Squadron Team Kadena includes associate units from five other Air Force major commands, the Navy, and numerous other Department of Defense agencies and direct reporting units. In addition to the aircraft of the 18th Wing, associate units operate more than 20 permanently assigned, forward-based or deployed aircraft from the base on a daily basis. Heraldry The fighting cock emblem, approved in 1931, symbolizes the courage and aggressiveness of a combat organization. History related history 18th Operations Group The 18th Fighter Wing was established on 10 August 1948, and activated four days later at Clark Air Force Base. On 20 January 1950, the wing was re-designated the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9650 18 Wing (PACAF) Robertson Patsy 2 April 2014 Air Force Historical Research Agency https://web.archive.org/web/20150927124001/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9650 27 September 2015 dead 5 February 2017 Korean War thumb|North American F-51D-30-NA Mustang, AF Ser. No. 44-74651, cira 1950. This aircraft was deployed to South Korea and is marked as the Wing Commander's. thumb|North American F-86F-25-NH Sabre, AF Ser. No. 52-5371, of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, 1953. Aircraft marked as Wing Commander's. thumb|right|South African Mustangs during the Korean War The 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing was reassigned to Korea in July 1950 and entered combat. Its organization was as follows: 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (F-80C, F-51D, F-86F) 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (F-80C, F-51D, F-86F) 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (March 1951 – March 1952) (F-51D) 2 Squadron SAAF, South African Air Force (November 1950 – March 1951, April 1951 – June 1953) (F-51D, F-86F) At the outbreak of the Korean War, the 18th FBG's 12th FBS provided personnel to form the "Dallas" fighter squadron, which rushed into battle. In late July, the group headquarters with two of its squadrons (12th and 67th FBSs) deployed with F-80s from the Philippines to Taegu AB (K-37), South Korea. From 28 July to 3 August, the 18th Group operated directly under Fifth Air Force then passed to the control of the 6002nd Fighter (later, Tactical Support) Wing. Pilots exchanged their F-80s for F-51 Mustangs. Combat targets included tanks and armored vehicles, locomotives and trucks, artillery and antiaircraft guns, fuel and ammunition dumps, warehouses and factories, and troop concentrations. In August, advancing enemy forces and insufficient aircraft parking at Taegu forced the group to move to Japan, but it returned to South Korea the following month to support UN forces in a counteroffensive. Because the front advanced so rapidly, operations from Pusan East (K-9) Air Base soon became impractical, and the group moved in November to Pyongyang East Air Base (K-24), North Korea. The 2nd SAAF Squadron joined the 18th in mid-November. Maj Louis J. Sebille was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his action on 5 August 1950: although his plane was badly damaged by flak while attacking a concentration of enemy trucks, Maj Sebille continued his strafing passes until he crashed into an armored vehicle. The Chinese Communist (CCF intervention) caused the group to move twice in as many weeks, first to Suwon AB (K-13), South Korea, then to Chinhae (K-10). From there the 18th FBG continued to support ground forces and carry out armed reconnaissance and interdiction missions. From November 1950 through January 1951, it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for destroying roughly 2,400 enemy vehicles and severely damaging almost 500 more. From early 1951 until January 1953, the group and its tactical squadrons, moving from base to base in South Korea, operated separately from the rest of the 18th FBW. The group earned its second Distinguished Unit Citation from 22 April to 8 July 1951, when it flew 6,500 combat sorties while operating from sod, dirt filled, and damaged runways to counter the enemy's 1951 spring offensive. When in January 1953 the group rejoined the wing at Osan-ni AB (K-55), its squadrons transitioned to F-86 Sabrejets without halting the fight against the enemy. It flew its first F-86 counter air mission on 26 February 1953. In the final days of the war, the 18th FBG attacked dispersed enemy aircraft at Sinuiju and Uiju Airfields. The group remained in Korea for some time after the armistice. The wing moved to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa in November 1954. Cold War Since November 1954, the 18th Wing under various designations has been the main United States Air Force operational unit at Kadena Air Base. Over the past 50 years, the 18th has maintained assigned aircraft, crews, and supporting personnel in a high state of readiness for tactical air requirements of Fifth Air Force and the Pacific Air Forces. Known Cold War-Era operational squadrons were: 12th Fighter-Bomber/Tactical Fighter (at Kadena AFB November 1954 – September 1967) F-86F, F-100D/F, F-105D/F/G 44th Fighter-Bomber/Tactical Fighter (November 1954 – March 1971) F-86F, F-100D/F F-105D/F 67th Fighter-Bomber/Tactical Fighter (67th FBS was at Kadena AFB November 1954) – March 1971) F-86F, F-100D/F, F-105D/F thumb|18th TFW North American F-100A-15-NA Super Sabre Serial, AF Ser. No. 53-1587, landing at Kadena Air Base. thumb|Republic F-105D-31-RE Thunderchief, AF Ser. No. 62-4375, 12th TFS/18th TFW on 18 May 1971. Noted in October 2003 at the Combat Air Museum, Topeka, KS and still there October 2006, this F-105 was the last of its kind in use with any US military service when retired from the Air National Guard in 1983. It was a static display for four years at McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Knoxville, Tennessee, prior to transfer to the Combat Air Museum in 1992. thumb|McDonnell F-4C-18-MC Phantom, AF Ser. No. 63-7474, 67th TFS/18th TFW (photo taken at Korat RTAFB, Thailand). This aircraft was later modified to the EF-4C Wild Weasel flak suppression aircraft. thumb|Douglas RB-66B-DL Destroyer (Modified to EB-66E), AF Ser, No. 54-0542, 19th TEWS/18th TFW on 23 August 1974. Flying the North American F-86 Sabre, the wing supported tactical fighter operations in Okinawa, as well as in South Korea, Japan, Formosa (later Taiwan), and the Philippines with frequent deployments. In 1957, the wing upgraded to the North American F-100 Super Sabre and the designation was changed to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1960, a tactical reconnaissance mission was added to the wing with the arrival of the McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo and the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (Tail Code: ZZ) The McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II replaced the RF-101 in the reconnaissance role in 1967. From 14 – 28 March 1961, the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing deployed the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron to Kung Kuan Air Base, Taiwan equipped with McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo. Beginning in 1961, the 18th was sending its tactical squadrons frequently to South Vietnam and Thailand, initially with its RF-101 reconnaissance forces, and beginning in 1964 with its tactical fighter forces supporting USAF combat missions in the Vietnam War. In 1963, the Republic F-105 Thunderchief replaced the Super Sabres. Known Vietnam-era squadrons of the wing were: 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Tail Code: ZA, ZZ) (September 1967 – June 1972) (F-105D/F) Det 1, 12th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Tail Code: ZB) (F-105F/G)(Deployed at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, September–November 1970. Redesignated as 6010 Wild Weasel Squadron and reassigned to 388th TFW) 44th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Tail Code: ZL, ZZ) (March 1971 – December 1972) (F-4C) 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Tail Code: ZG, ZZ) (March 1971 – October 1973) (F-4C) The deployments to Southeast Asia continued until the end of United States involvement in the conflict. An electronic warfare capability was added to the wing in late 1968 with the reassignment of the 19th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina flying the Douglas B-66 Destroyer (Tail Code: ZT). The B-66s remained until 1970, flying daily over the skies of Southeast Asia. During the 1968 Pueblo crisis, the 18th deployed between January and June to Osan Air Base, South Korea following the North Korean seizure of the vessel. Frequent deployments to South Korea have been performed ever since to maintain the air defense alert mission there. The McDonnell Douglas F-4C/D Phantom II replaced the F-105s in 1971, and a further upgrade to the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle was made in 1979. On 6 November 1972, the 18th Wing dispatched the McDonnell F-4C/D Phantom II fighters of the 44th and 67th Tactical Fighter Squadrons] to the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan until 31 May 1975, to assist Taiwan 's air defense, defend against aerial threats from China.http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/001/114/993.xml JCS DIRECTED DEPLOYMENT OF F-4 AIRCRAFT TO TAIWAN FOR PURPOSE OF DEFENDING TAIWAN/PENGHUS UNDER COMMANDO DOMINO. US Air Force History Index live July 1, 1972http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/001/011/932.xml A COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE F-4 AIRCRAFT TO ASSIST IN TAIWAN AIR DEFENSE, RESULTED IN DEPLOYMENT OF AIRCRAFT. SIMULATOR TRAINING PROGRAM FOR F-4 AIRCREWS IMPLEMENTED. US Air Force History Index live July 1, 1973 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5E-yj4EalaE https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/5E-yj4EalaE 2021-12-21 live 清泉岡基地的美軍F-4C幽靈式噴射戰鬥轟炸機 US Air Force History Index live 1972-11-20 The following are the units that the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing once stationed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan: thumb|The 44th and 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taiwan, two F-4 fighter pilots and ROC Air Force pilots were interviewed by reporters, 20 November 1972 thumb|McDonnell F-4C-23-MC Phantoms of the 44th TFS/18th TFW deployed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taichung, Taiwan, 2 October 1973. Serial 64-0750 in foreground. 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Tail Code: ZL) (6 November 1972 – 10 April 1975) (F-4C/D) 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Tail Code: ZG) (6 November 1972 – 31 May 1975) (EF-4C, F-4C) In May 1971, the 556th RS was also transferred from Yokota to Kadena with Martin EB-57E Canberra aircraft (Tail Code: GT) to the wing. It inactivated in 1973. In 1972, the 1st Special Operations Squadron was assigned, bringing their specialized C-130E-I. (Combat Talon) The RF-4C reconnaissance mission ended in 1989 with the transfer of the RF-4Cs to the 460th TRG at Taegu AB in Korea. Post Vietnam-era squadrons have been: 12th Tactical Fighter (June 1972 – May 1978, February 1981 – October 1991)F-4D (June 1972 – July 1979), F-15C/D (July 1979 – October 1991) (Tail Code: ZZ) 44th Tactical Fighter (December 1972 – May 1978, February 1981 – October 1991)F-4C (October 1973 – June 1975), F-4D (June 1975 – July 1979), F-15C/D (July 1979 – October 1991) (Tail Code: ZZ) 67th Tactical Fighter (October 1973 – May 1978, February 1981 – October 1991)F-4C (October 1973 – September 1980) (Tail Code: ZZ), F-15C/D (July 1979 – October 1991) (Tail Code: ZZ) Addition of heavier aircraft The designation of the wing changed on 1 October 1991, to the 18th Wing with the implementation of the Objective Wing concept. The original designation, as determined by the then Wing Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Hurd, was 18 Wing; meant to mirror the numbering convention of the Royal Air Force. This was quickly changed however when it was disapproved by PACAF but there are coins, etc. from this time period that depict the wing's designation as 18 Wing. With the objective wing, the mission of the 18th expanded to the Composite Air Wing concept of multiple different wing missions with different aircraft. The mission of the 18th was expanded to include aerial refueling with Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker tanker aircraft (909th ARS); and surveillance, warning, command and control Boeing E-3B/C Sentry (961st AACS), and communications. Added airlift mission in June 1992 with the Beechcraft C-12 Huron, transporting mission critical personnel, high-priority cargo and distinguished visitors. In February 1993, the 18th Wing gained responsibility for coordinating rescue operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean with the addition of the 33d Rescue Squadron. In November 1999, the 18th Wing underwent another change as one of its three F-15 units, the 12th Fighter Squadron, was reassigned to the 3d Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. In 2003 the 374th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan moved to Kadena and redesignated the 18th AES giving the 18th Wing an added mission of patient transport. 18 AES crews utilize the KC-135s of the 909th ARS as well as other opportune aircraft including the C-17 and C-130. Between 24–31 March 2006, during Foal Eagle 2006 exercises, aircraft from the 18th Wing teamed with the U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151) from Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) to provide combat air patrols and coordinated bombing runs via the exercise's Combined Air Operations Center. Photographer's Mate 3rd Class (AW) M. Jeremie Yoder, USN Lincoln Wraps Up Successful Exercise, Heads for Port http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23032 https://web.archive.org/web/20060412053248/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23032 dead 12 April 2006 NNS060406-15 Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs 27 March 2006 26 December 2010 The 18th Wing has earned many honors over the years, including 17 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Lineage Established as 18th Fighter Wing on 10 August 1948 Activated on 14 August 1948 Redesignated: 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 20 January 1950 Redesignated: 18th Tactical Fighter Wing on 1 July 1958 Redesignated: 18th Wing on 1 October 1991 Assignments 50% Thirteenth Air Force, 14 August 1948 Far East Air Forces, 1 December 1948 Thirteenth Air Force, 16 May 1949 (attached to: Fifth Air Force, 1 December 1950; Twentieth Air Force, 1 November 1954 (further attached to 6332nd Air Base Wing until 9 November 1954); Air Task Group Fifth, Provisional, 1 February 1955; Twentieth Air Force, 16 February 1955; 313th Air Division, 1 March 1955; Fifth Air Force, 1 February-30 September 1957) 50% Fifth Air Force, 1 October 1957 313th Air Division, 10 November 1958 (attached to Fifth Air Force ADVON, 28 January-13 June 1968; 327th Air Division, 6 November 1972 – 31 May 1975) Fifth Air Force, 1 October 1991–present Components Groups 5 Reconnaissance: attached 1 December 1948 – 16 May 1949 18 Fighter (later, 18 Fighter-Bomber; 18 Tactical Fighter; 18 Operations): 14 August 1948 – 1 October 1957 (detached 16 May-16 December 1949, 28 July-30 November 1950, 1–9 November 1954, and 3-c. 30 September 1955); 1 May 1978 – 11 February 1981; 1 October 1991–present 35 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 7–24 May 1951. Squadrons 1 Special Operations: 15 December 1972 – 1 May 1978 12 Fighter-Bomber (later, 12 Tactical Fighter): attached 15 March-15 August 1957; assigned 25 March 1958 – 1 May 1978 (detached 1 February-15 March 1965, 15 June-25 August 1965, 23–29 January 1968); assigned 11 February 1981 – 1 October 1991 13 Tactical Fighter: 15 May 1966 – 15 November 1967 (detached) 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron: attached 15 March 1960 – 19 April 1970, assigned 20 April 1970 – 1 May 1978; assigned 11 February 1981 – 1 October 1989 19 Tactical Electronic Warfare: 31 December 1968 – 31 October 1970 (detached 31 December 1968 – 10 May 1969) 21 Troop Carrier: attached 17 February-28 June 1950 25 Liaison: attached 1 December 1948 – 25 March 1949 25 Tactical Fighter: 19 December 1975 – 1 May 1978 26 Aggressor: 1 October 1988 – 21 February 1990 39 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 25 May 1951 – 31 May 1952 44 Fighter-Bomber (later, 44 Tactical Fighter): attached 25 July-30 November 1950; attached 1 February-30 September 1957, assigned 1 October 1957 – 25 April 1967; assigned 15 March 1971 – 1 May 1978; assigned 11 February 1981 – 1 October 1991 67 Fighter-Bomber (later, 67 Tactical Fighter): attached 1 February-30 September 1957, assigned 1 October 1957 – 15 December 1967; assigned 15 March 1971 – 1 May 1978; assigned 11 February 1981 – 1 October 1991 90 Special Operations: 15 April-15 December 1972 306 Tactical Fighter: attached 24 April-17 July 1962 307 Tactical Fighter: attached 21 December 1962 – March 1963 308 Tactical Fighter: attached March–July 1963 309 Tactical Fighter: attached 17 July-21 December 1962 336 Fighter-Day: attached 7 August 1956 – 1 February 1957 6200 Troop Carrier: attached 1 December 1948 – 16 May 1949 Flying Training Squadron, Provisional: attached 15 October 1957 – 25 March 1958 Flights 3d Direct Air Support Flight, 8 October 1964 – 15 September 1968 http://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/968143/3-air-support-operations-squadron-pacaf Haulman Daniel Factsheet 3 Air Support Operations Squadron (PACAF) 8 May 2017 Air Force Historical Research Agency 1 August 2018 Stations Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, 14 August 1948 Pusan East AB (K-9), South Korea, 1 December 1950 Pyongyang East Airfield (K-24), North Korea, 1 December 1950 Suwon Air Base (K-13), South Korea, 4 December 1950 Chinhae Airfield (K-10), South Korea, 10 December 1950 Osan-ni Airfield (K-55), South Korea, 26 December 1952 Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taichung, Taiwan, 14 July 1960 http://taipeiairstation.blogspot.com/2012/01/history-of-us-air-force-in-taiwan-part.html History of the US Air Force in Taiwan 1960 taipeiairstation.blogspot.co.nz 29 January 2012 Kadena Air Base, Okinawa (later, Japan), 1 November 1954–present Aircraft 50% P (later, F)-47, 1948 F-51, 1948–1950, 1950–1953 RB-17, 1948–1949, 1949–1950; VB-17, 1948–1949 F-2, 1948–1949 C-47, 1948–1949 C-46, 1949 RC-45, 1949–1950 F-80, 1949–1950 F-86, 1953–1955, 1955, 1955–1957 50% T-33, 1954 F-100, 1957–1963 F-105, 1962–1965, 1965–1968, 1968–1972 RF-101, 1960–1967 RF-4, 1967–1989; F-4, 1971–1980 C-130 (later, MC-130), 1972–1981 T-39, 1975–1976; CT-39, 1977–1984 F-15, 1979–present KC-135, 1991–present E-3, 1991–present HH-60, 1993–present List of commanders No. NumberCommanderTermPortraitNameTook officeLeft officeTerm length 1 Brigadier General Robert Chaffee Oliver.jpg Robert C. Oliverhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106031/brigadier-general-robert-c-oliver/ Brigadier General Robert C. Oliver U.S. Air Force 1902 1966 14 August 1948 25 October 1948 14 August 1948 25 October 1948 2 Colonel Portrait gray.png Herbert K. Baisleyhttps://www.kadena.af.mil/About-Us/History/List-of-Commanders/ List of Commanders Kadena Air Base 25 October 1948 1 December 1948 25 October 1948 1 December 1948 3 Brigadier General 060419-F-JZ507-590 Jarred V. Crabb.jpg Jarred V. Crabbhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/article/107354/major-general-jarred-v-crabb/ Major General Jarred V. Crabb U.S. Air Force 1902 1981 1 December 1948 June 1949 ~1 December 1948 1 June 1949 4 Major General Portrait gray.png Harold M. Turner June 1949 17 December 1949 ~1 June 1949 17 December 1949 5 Colonel Clinton W. Davies.jpg Clinton W. Davieshttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107295/brigadier-general-clinton-w-davies/ Brigadier General Clinton W. Davies U.S. Air Force 1899 1989 17 December 1949 1 December 1950 17 December 1949 1 December 1950 6 Colonel Portrait gray.png Curtis R. Lowhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106347/major-general-curtis-r-low/ Major General Curtis R. Low U.S. Air Force 1912 1991 1 December 1950 1 February 1951 1 December 1950 1 February 1951 7 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Turner C. Rogershttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105787/major-general-turner-c-rogers/ Major General Turner C. Rogers U.S. Air Force 1912 2007 1 February 1951 2 February 1952 1 February 1951 2 February 1952 8 Colonel Portrait gray.png Ernest G. Ford 2 February 1952 7 March 1952 2 February 1952 7 March 1952 9 Colonel Portrait gray.png William H. Clark 7 March 1952 1 January 1953 7 March 1952 1 January 1953 10 Colonel Portrait gray.png Frank S. Perego 1916 1 January 1953 15 June 1953 1 January 1953 15 June 1953 11 Colonel Portrait gray.png John C. Edwards 15 June 1953 5 July 1953 15 June 1953 5 July 1953 12 Colonel Portrait gray.png Maurice L. Martin 5 July 1953 31 July 1953 5 July 1953 31 July 1953 13 Colonel Tacon ap.jpg Avelin P. Tacon, Jr.https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105408/major-general-avelin-p-tacon-jr/ Major General Avelin P. Tacon Jr. U.S. Air Force 1914 2014 31 July 1953 17 July 1954 31 July 1953 17 July 1954 14 Colonel Portrait gray.png William D. Gilchrist 1915 1999 17 July 1954 26 July 1954 17 July 1954 26 July 1954 15 Colonel Portrait gray.png Cecil P. Lessighttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106482/brigadier-general-cecil-p-lessig/ Brigadier General Cecil P. Lessig U.S. Air Force 1908 1984 26 July 1954 1 November 1954 26 July 1954 1 November 1954 16 Colonel Portrait gray.png Nathan J. Adams 1919 2008 1 November 1954 9 November 1954 1 November 1954 9 November 1954 17 Colonel Portrait gray.png John B. Murphy 1917 1984 9 November 1954 4 February 1955 9 November 1954 4 February 1955 18 Colonel Portrait gray.png Homer C. Rankin 4 February 1955 5 April 1955 4 February 1955 5 April 1955 19 Colonel Portrait gray.png Glendon P. Overing 5 April 1955 3 May 1956 5 April 1955 3 May 1956 20 Colonel Portrait gray.png Robert C. Orth 1910 1997 3 May 1956 5 July 1958 3 May 1956 5 July 1958 21 Colonel Portrait gray.png William S. Chairsellhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107520/major-general-william-s-chairsell/ Major General William S. Chairsell U.S. Air Force 1919 1994 5 July 1958 15 August 1958 5 July 1958 15 August 1958 22 Colonel Portrait gray.png Gust Askounis 1917 1996 15 August 1958 23 August 1958 15 August 1958 23 August 1958 23 Colonel Portrait gray.png Francis R. Royal 1915 2016 23 August 1958 14 July 1960 23 August 1958 14 July 1960 24 Colonel Portrait gray.png James A. Wilson 1936 2022 14 July 1960 2 August 1960 14 July 1960 2 August 1960 25 Colonel Francis Gabreski color photo in pilot suit.jpg Francis S. Gabreski 1919 2002 2 August 1960 19 August 1962 2 August 1960 19 August 1962 26 Colonel GEN (posthumous) Simler, George B.jpg George B. Simlerhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105553/general-george-b-simler/ General George B. Simler U.S. Air Force 1921 1972 19 August 1962 19 May 1964 19 August 1962 19 May 1964 27 Colonel Portrait gray.png Jones E. Bolthttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107684/jones-e-bolt/ Major General Jones E. Bolt U.S. Air Force 1921 2006 19 May 1964 19 July 1964 19 May 1964 19 July 1964 28 Colonel Robert L Cardenas 1969.jpg Robert L. Cardenashttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107496/brigadier-general-robert-l-cardenas/ Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas U.S. Air Force 1920 2022 19 July 1964 28 June 1966 19 July 1964 28 June 1966 29 Colonel Portrait gray.png Neil J. Graham 28 June 1966 17 June 1967 28 June 1966 17 June 1967 30 Colonel Bud Anderson (cropped) 01.jpg Clarence E. Anderson, Jr. 1922 2024 17 June 1967 22 December 1967 17 June 1967 22 December 1967 31 Colonel Portrait gray.png Monroe S. Samshttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105715/brigadier-general-monroe-s-sams-jr/ Brigadier General Monroe S. Sams Jr. U.S. Air Force 1922 1992 22 December 1967 24 June 1970 22 December 1967 24 June 1970 32 Colonel Portrait gray.png Philip V. Howell, Jr. 1925 2004 24 June 1970 19 May 1971 24 June 1970 19 May 1971 33 Brigadier General RobertFTitus.jpg Robert F. Titushttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105419/brigadier-general-robert-f-titus/ Brigadier General Robert F. Titus U.S. Air Force 1926 2024 19 May 1971 29 May 1973 19 May 1971 29 May 1973 34 Colonel Portrait gray.png Harold K. Wimberley 1924 2013 29 May 1973 1 June 1974 29 May 1973 1 June 1974 35 Colonel Portrait gray.png Charles H. Hausenfleck 1930 2024 1 June 1974 1 December 1974 1 June 1974 1 December 1974 36 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Clyde F. McClainhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106318/brigadier-general-clyde-f-mcclain/ Brigadier General Clyde F. McClain U.S. Air Force 1921 2010 1 December 1974 14 July 1975 1 December 1974 14 July 1975 37 Major General LGEN Clark, Lynwood Edgerton.jpg Lynwood E. Clarkhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107366/lieutenant-general-lynwood-e-clark/ Lieutenant General Lynwood E. Clark U.S. Air Force 1929 2024 14 July 1975 9 June 1976 14 July 1975 9 June 1976 38 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Walter H. Baxter IIIhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107751/walter-h-baxter-iii/ Major General Walter H. Baxter III U.S. Air Force 1926 2004 9 June 1976 22 August 1978 9 June 1976 22 August 1978 39 Brigadier General Brown J R.JPG James R. Brownhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107593/lieutenant-general-james-r-brown/ Lieutenant General James R. Brown U.S. Air Force 1930 2015 22 August 1978 11 February 1981 22 August 1978 11 February 1981 40 Colonel Robert L Rutherford.jpg Robert L. Rutherfordhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105750/general-robert-l-rutherford/ General Robert L. Rutherford U.S. Air Force 1938 2013 11 February 1981 16 August 1982 11 February 1981 16 August 1982 41 Colonel Portrait gray.png Philip M. Drewhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107208/brigadier-general-philip-m-drew/ Brigadier General Philip M. Drew U.S. Air Force 1939 16 August 1982 2 April 1984 16 August 1982 2 April 1984 42 Colonel Richard E Hawley.jpg Richard E. Hawleyhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106803/general-richard-e-hawley/ General Richard E. Hawley U.S. Air Force 1942 2 April 1984 14 March 1986 2 April 1984 14 March 1986 43 Colonel Portrait gray.png Frederick E. Beatty 14 March 1986 10 November 1987 14 March 1986 10 November 1987 44 Colonel Portrait gray.png Robert W. LaTourette 10 November 1987 6 June 1989 10 November 1987 6 June 1989 45 Colonel Portrait gray.png John B. Hall, Jr.https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106872/john-b-hall-jr/ Lieutenant General John B. Hall Jr. U.S. Air Force 1944 2020 6 June 1989 1 October 1991 6 June 1989 1 October 1991 46 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Joseph E. Hurdhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/106684/lieutenant-general-joseph-e-hurd/ Lieutenant General Joseph E. Hurd U.S. Air Force 1943 1 October 1991 21 July 1992 1 October 1991 21 July 1992 47 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Jeffrey G. Cliverhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107409/major-general-jeffrey-g-cliver/ Major General Jeffrey G. Cliver U.S. Air Force 1943 21 July 1992 1 August 1994 21 July 1992 1 August 1994 48 Brigadier General Hobbins 2008.jpeg William T. Hobbinshttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104870/general-william-t-hobbins/ General William T. Hobbins U.S. Air Force 1946 1 August 1994 15 July 1996 1 August 1994 15 July 1996 49 Brigadier General Lt Gen John R. Baker.jpg John R. Bakerhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104858/john-r-baker/ Lieutenant General John R. Baker U.S. Air Force 15 July 1996 5 August 1998 15 July 1996 5 August 1998 50 Brigadier General Defense.gov News Photo 020522-D-9880W-071.jpg James B. Smithhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105613/james-b-smith/ Brigadier General James B. Smith U.S. Air Force 1952 5 August 1998 3 August 2000 5 August 1998 3 August 2000 51 Brigadier General Gen Gary L. North 2012.JPG Gary L. Northhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104909/general-gary-l-north/ General Gary L. North U.S. Air Force 1954 3 August 2000 10 April 2002 3 August 2000 10 April 2002 52 Brigadier General Lt Gen Jeffrey A. Remington.jpg Jeffrey A. Remingtonhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105844/lieutenant-general-jeffrey-a-remington/ Lieutenant General Jeffrey A. Remington U.S. Air Force 1955 10 April 2002 24 June 2004 10 April 2002 24 June 2004 53 Brigadier General LIEUTENANT GENERAL JAN-MARC JOUAS USAF.JPG Jan-Marc Jouashttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104667/lieutenant-general-jan-marc-jouas/ Lieutenant General Jan-Marc Jouas U.S. Air Force 24 June 2004 31 January 2006 24 June 2004 31 January 2006 54 Brigadier General Portrait gray.png Harold W. Moulton IIhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/104666/major-general-harold-w-punch-moulton-ii/ Major General Harold W. "Punch" Moulton II U.S. Air Force 31 January 2006 24 May 2007 31 January 2006 24 May 2007 55 Brigadier General Maj Gen Brett. T. Williams.jpg Brett T. Williamshttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108031/brett-t-williams/ Major General Brett T. Williams U.S. Air Force 24 May 2007 9 July 2009 24 May 2007 9 July 2009 56 Brigadier General BGEN Kenneth Wilsbach.jpg Kenneth S. Wilsbachhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108478/kenneth-s-wilsbach/ General Kenneth S. Wilsbach U.S. Air Force 1963 9 July 2009https://www.stripes.com/migration/wilsbach-named-18th-wing-commander-1.92242 Wilsbach named 18th Wing commander stripes.com 3 June 2011 9 July 2009 3 June 2011 57 Brigadier General Maj Gen Matthew H. Molloy.jpg Matthew H. Molloyhttps://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108704/major-general-matthew-h-molloy/ Major General Matthew H. Molloy U.S. Air Force 3 June 2011https://www.kadena.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000050407/ 18th Wing changes command www.kadena.af.mil 13 May 2013 3 June 2011 13 May 2013 58 Brigadier General James B. Hecker (2).jpg James Hecker 13 May 2013https://www.kadena.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000050407/ 18th Wing changes command www.kadena.af.mil 2 April 2015 13 May 2013 2 April 2015 59 Brigadier General Barry R. Cornish.jpg Barry Cornish 2 April 2015https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/cornish-takes-over-as-commander-of-kadena-s-18th-wing-1.338007 Cornish takes over as commander of Kadena's 18th Wing Stars and Stripes 10 July 2017 2 April 2015 10 July 2017 60 Brigadier General Case A. Cunningham (2).jpg Case Cunningham 1972 10 July 2017https://www.pacom.mil/Media/Photos/igphoto/2001776898/ Shoguns change command: Brig. Gen. Cunningham assumes command of 18th Wing www.pacom.mil 8 July 2019 10 July 2017 8 July 2019 61 Brigadier General Joel L. Carey (3).jpg Joel L. Carey 8 July 2019https://www.kadena.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1897107/brig-gen-joel-carey-takes-helm-of-kadenas-18th-wing/ Brig. Gen. Joel Carey takes helm of Kadena Kadena Air Base 16 July 2021 8 July 2019 16 July 2021 62 Brigadier General Brig Gen David S. Eaglin (2).jpg David S. Eaglin 16 July 2021https://www.dvidshub.net/news/401017/18th-wing-gains-new-commander 18th Wing gains new commander DVIDS 6 July 2023 16 July 2021 6 July 2023 63 Brigadier General Brig Gen Nicholas B. Evans.jpg Nicholas B. Evans 6 July 2023 14 July 2025 6 July 2023 14 July 2025 64 Brigadier General Col John B. Gallemore (4).jpg John B. Gallemore 14 July 2025 14 July 2025 References Notes 30em Bibliography This article contains information from the 18th Wing history factsheet which is an official document of the United States Government and is presumed to be in the public domain. Tail Code: The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings Martin Patrick Schiffer Military Aviation History 1994 Atglen, PA 0-88740-513-4 https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977 Ravenstein Charles A. Office of Air Force History 1984 0-912799-12-9 Washington, DC registration External links 18th Wing's Official Website 0018 Category:Organizations based in Okinawa Prefecture