In a striking display of combat readiness and regional deterrence, the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing orchestrated a large-scale elephant walk on May 6 at Kadena Air Base, assembling “one of the most diverse formations” of U.S. military aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event, held on the island of Okinawa, Japan, about 370 miles from Taiwan, showcased a formidable array of air and missile defense capabilities, featuring 24 U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, six HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters, six KC-135 Stratotankers, two MQ-9 Reapers, two MC-130J Commando IIs, one RC-135 Rivet Joint, and one E-3G Sentry. The U.S. Navy contributed two EA-18G Growlers and one P-8 Poseidon, while the U.S. Army deployed two MIM-104 Patriot missile batteries.
“Working alongside our allies and partners, Kadena stands ready to project airpower throughout the region to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, 18th Wing commander.
The elephant walk, a term for aircraft taxiing in close formation before takeoff, tested the base’s ability to generate maximum sorties in minimal time. It required meticulous coordination across maintenance, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams, reflecting the joint force’s precision and professionalism.
“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,” said Col. David Deptula, 18th Operations Group commander.
Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 18th Wing command chief master sergeant, emphasized the strategic message: “An elephant walk like this sends a message you can’t ignore — it shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we’re united, capable, and ready. This kind of teamwork and presence is exactly how we maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.”
Kadena, the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan, is a critical hub in the first island chain, amid tensions with China, which claims sovereignty over the self-governed island.
The 18th Wing highlighted the formation’s diversity as a testament to Kadena’s lethality in deterring aggression. The event follows a January elephant walk featuring nine KC-135s, underscoring the base’s strategic role.
Such demonstrations reinforce U.S. commitment to joint operations and regional stability, signaling readiness to defend allies and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific.