Kadena Air Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Okinawa, Japan
Installation Type: Air Base
Status: Active

Overview

Kadena Air Base is located in central Okinawa, Japan, encompassing the municipalities of Kadena, Chatan, and Okinawa City (Koza). Originally built by U.S. forces following the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Kadena has grown into the largest U.S. Air Force installation in the Asia-Pacific region. The base serves as the hub for U.S. air operations across the Pacific and plays a critical role in regional deterrence, Alliance commitments with Japan, and rapid response throughout the Indo-Pacific theater.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Serve as the hub for U.S. Air Force operations in the Pacific, maintaining air superiority and projecting combat power across the Indo-Pacific region in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
Major Units:
18th Wing (18 WG) — host wing and the Air Force’s largest combat wing; transitioned from F-15C/D to emerging aircraft platform (F-15EX integration ongoing as of 2025)
18th Operations Group
18th Mission Support Group
18th Maintenance Group
18th Medical Group
353rd Special Operations Wing (SOW)
Tenant Units: 5th Air Force elements; Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) units on the shared airfield; U.S. Army and Navy tenant organizations; Defense Intelligence Agency elements; various Pacific Command support units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Naha (Okinawa prefectural capital), approximately 25 km south; Okinawa City (Koza) immediately adjacent to the base
Nearest Commercial Airport: Naha Airport (OKA), approximately 25 km south
Gate Access: Multiple gates with varying hours; main gates require CAC or DoD identification; visitor passes obtained at the Visitor Control Center. Japanese national employees and contractors follow SOFA-based access procedures. Gate hours vary — check the installation website for current schedules.

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 9,000–10,000
Family Members: Approximately 11,000–13,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 3,000 (U.S. and Japanese)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 25,000–27,000

Key Facilities

Medical: 18th Medical Group — Kadena clinic with primary care, dental, mental health, and some specialty services; complex cases referred to U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa (Camp Foster) or Tripler Army Medical Center (Hawaii)
Commissary: Yes — large commissary serving the entire Okinawa military community
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — one of the largest BX complexes in the Pacific; main exchange, furniture store, auto sales, gas station, food court with multiple dining options
Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers; indoor and outdoor pools; Kadena Marina; Outdoor Recreation Center with equipment rentals; bowling center; golf course (Banyan Tree Golf Course); movie theater; skeet/trap range
Schools: DoDEA Kadena High School, Kadena Middle School, Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, Bob Hope Primary School, and Kadena Elementary School — all on or adjacent to base
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) — multiple CDCs to serve the large population; school-age care available; waitlists are common; early enrollment strongly advised upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Kadena Veterinary Treatment Facility — full preventive and treatment services; appointment required; located near the support area
Legal Assistance / JAG: 18th Wing Legal Office — appointment-based legal assistance; some walk-in services; located in the Mission Support area; handles wills, powers of attorney, SOFA-related legal questions

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Forest City/Balfour Beatty Communities; extensive on-base housing areas including Sobe, Habu Pit, and other neighborhoods; mix of single-family homes and duplexes; condition varies from recently renovated to older structures
Average Wait Time: E1–E4: 6–12 months or more; E5–E6: 3–9 months; senior enlisted and officers: may be shorter; many families move off base immediately upon arrival
Off-Base Housing: Extensive off-base housing market in Okinawa City, Chatan, Yomitan, and Kitanakagusuku; average rents range from JPY 80,000–150,000/month for apartments to JPY 150,000–300,000/month for houses; Chatan (near American Village) tends to command higher rents
BAH Rate Reference: Check current Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit first sergeant or orderly room to arrange a sponsor; the A&FRC also facilitates sponsorship connections; sponsors are highly recommended due to the complexity of arriving in Japan
In-Processing: Report to the 18th Mission Support Group in-processing center; newcomer orientation (Right Start) is mandatory for all incoming personnel and family members; plan 3–5 full days of in-processing appointments
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 18th Medical Group EFMP office; enrollment is mandatory prior to PCS orders; Okinawa has significant EFMP screening requirements due to limited specialty medical and educational resources; early enrollment and communication with the gaining installation is essential

OCONUS-Specific Information

SOFA Status: The U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) governs the legal status of U.S. military personnel and their dependents in Japan. Under the SOFA, the U.S. retains primary criminal jurisdiction over personnel for on-duty offenses; Japan retains jurisdiction for off-duty civilian offenses. The SOFA also covers customs, taxation, and vehicle registration arrangements.
Host Nation Rules: Japanese law applies off base. Strict laws govern drug use (zero tolerance — penalties are severe), carrying knives, and public intoxication. Okinawa has particularly strong community relations sensitivities; conduct reflecting poorly on the military is taken very seriously. Driving under the influence (DUI) carries severe Japanese penalties in addition to military consequences.
Curfew Policy: U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) Directive 5-1 establishes off-base curfew hours for all active duty service members. As of recent guidance, the curfew typically restricts off-base activity between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. (or 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for E5 and above in some iterations). Curfew policies have been revised multiple times; verify the current USFJ curfew order through your chain of command upon arrival. Curfew violations carry serious disciplinary consequences.
Ration Card / Customs: Japan operates a ration card (liquor/tobacco ration control) system managed through the Exchange. Personnel receive a monthly ration card and must use it to purchase controlled items (alcohol, tobacco) at a tax-free status. Off-base duty-free purchases are tracked. Abuse of the ration system is a UCMJ and host nation offense.
Vehicle Registration & Licensing: Vehicles must be registered through the Pass and Registration section using SOFA status; Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI — Shakken) is required for all vehicles. Service members must obtain a USARJ/USFJ driver’s license (based on U.S. license) — no separate Japanese license is required under SOFA. Vehicles must pass Japanese safety inspection if purchased locally. Left-hand traffic — right-hand drive vehicles are the norm in Japan.
Language & Culture: Japanese (Okinawan dialect also spoken locally) is the official language. English is used in many areas near the base but is not universally spoken. Japanese language classes are available through the Kadena Education Center and A&FRC. Okinawan culture has distinct traditions separate from mainland Japan — respect local customs, ceremonies, and community sensitivities. Remove shoes before entering homes and many establishments.
Currency & Banking: Japanese Yen (JPY) is the local currency. On-base banking includes a Bank of America branch and AAFES/Chase ATMs; Community Bank is available on base. Off-base ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards. Carrying cash is important as many local businesses do not accept credit cards.
Travel Restrictions: Travel within Japan (including mainland) generally requires command notification per unit SOP; travel outside Japan requires leave approval. Personnel should be aware of USFJ travel advisories. Travel to China, North Korea, and certain other countries may require special approval or may be restricted.
Mail: APO AP 96368 (Kadena main); allow 10–21 days for CONUS packages via standard APO; Priority Mail generally 7–14 days; large packages should use flat-rate boxes
Pets: Japan does not impose quarantine for rabies-free countries if all requirements are met — this is complex and time-sensitive. Dogs and cats must have: microchip (ISO 15-digit), two rabies vaccinations after microchipping, rabies antibody titer test with a minimum 180-day wait period, USDA-endorsed health certificate, and advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days prior to arrival. Non-compliant animals face up to 180 days quarantine at owner’s expense. Start the import process at least 7–8 months before your PCS. Certain breeds (pit bulls and similar) may face HOA or housing restrictions on base. Contact the Kadena Veterinary Clinic well in advance for guidance.

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Subtropical; warm and humid year-round; average temperatures 18–31 degrees Celsius; typhoon season June through November (Okinawa is heavily affected — typhoon preparation is a regular part of life); mild winters rarely below 15 degrees Celsius
Cost of Living: Moderate; Japanese consumer goods and food are moderately priced; imported goods and American-style products can be expensive off base; dining out at local Okinawan restaurants is affordable
Nearby Attractions: Churaumi Aquarium (one of the world’s largest); Shuri Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site); American Village (Chatan); Okinawa’s beautiful beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling and diving; Okinawa World (cultural theme park); historic WWII battle sites; islands accessible by ferry (Zamami, Miyako, Ishigaki)
Spouse Employment: Employment is limited off base due to language barriers and work permit restrictions under SOFA; on-base NAF positions, AAFES jobs, and DoD Civilian positions are primary options; the A&FRC’s Spouse Employment Program provides resume assistance, networking events, and job fair coordination; remote/telework employment has expanded

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.kadena.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: +81-98-961-1110 (DSN: 634-1110)
MWR Website: https://kadena.armymwr.com/ (managed through Army MWR Pacific)
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — located near the Airman Leadership School area; DSN 634-0427 or commercial +81-98-961-0427

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: Training knowledge (cutoff August 2025); kadena.af.mil; USFJ directives; Japan Animal Quarantine Service requirements; DTMO OHA reference; DoDEA Okinawa schools; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law