BB26-1: The Tip of the Spear Starts Here
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — The 18th Wing conducted operational readiness exercise Beverly Beach 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug 3-5, 2026, demonstrating the Wing’s capacity to generate sorties, defend the base, respond to emergencies and sustain the force during contingency operations.
Throughout the exercise, security, medical, logistics, rescue and support units validated Kadena's place at the forefront of operational dexterity and regional security.
“Our mission is deterrence through strength, exercises like Beverly Beach demonstrate what this Wing brings to the fight," said Chief Master Sgt. Will Cupp, 18th Wing command chief. “Kadena is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and this exercise has shown why we’re worthy of that title.”
Throughout the week, members were tested on their skills by operating and communicating in contingent scenarios. The 18th Security Forces Squadron and 18th Civil Engineer Squadron responded to a variety of simulated emergencies around the installation, involving ground ammunition and downed drones. First responders were able to practice their critical response skills while also strengthening communication and interoperability between units.
The 18th Medical Group responded to simulated casualties by implementing an En-Route Patient Staging System, enabling the unit to rapidly receive, stabilize and prepare patients for aeromedical evacuation during contingency operations. This system allowed medical personnel to provide en-route care while coordinating casualty movements and evacuations.
BB26-1 also enabled Airmen to exercise agile combat employment skills. The 33rd Rescue Squadron was tasked to rapidly relocate to a simulated austere location and establish rescue operations without using traditional infrastructure. The scenario reinforced the squadron’s aptitude to rapidly reposition their capabilities and operate from dispersed locations during a contingency. Initiatives like ACE underscore the investment, interoperability, and access required to strengthen force posture.
For the first time, personnel living off base were required to stay on the installation for the duration of the exercise, keeping the mission going 24 hours a day. The 18th Force Support Squadron coordinated bed down locations, enabled troop transport and provided meals around the clock for shift personnel. These procedures keep forces ready to defend the United States, allied partners and their interests.
F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th and 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons took to the skies to sustain constant airpower, sending a clear message of security throughout the Pacific. The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron played an essential role in getting aircraft off the ground. 18th LRS fuel distribution operators conducted forward arming and refueling point operations, a process that allows aircraft to be refueled while the engines remain running, returning them to the fight faster. This operation requires disciplined teamwork and communication between aircrew, maintainers and fuel personnel, ensuring aircraft remain mission ready while maintaining strict safety standards.
While executing exercise objectives, Airmen simultaneously prepared the installation and its assets for Typhoon Dolphin, demonstrating Kadena’s capacity to maintain operational preparedness despite real-world environmental challenges. Members of the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron worked both missions in tandem, ensuring no disruption in airpower while safeguarding vital assets. As a strategic position, Kadena stands at the forefront of an ever-changing security environment and must be able to operate through adverse conditions to deter regional aggression and continuously project U.S. airpower across the Indo-Pacific.
“Exercise Beverly Beach was designed to put our training to the test, and every member of Team Kadena rose to the challenge,” said Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “Our Airmen stand at the tip of the spear, and this exercise has shown that we remain disciplined, fit, and trained; we’ve demonstrated our enduring resilience, constant readiness and our dedication to defending this base and Japan.”
BB 26-1 reinforced the Wing’s qualification to execute its mission under demanding conditions. Kadena is the largest U.S. installation in the Asia-Pacific region, and the Airmen here play a crucial role in defending the U.S. and Japan by providing a forward power projection platform with integrated, deployable, combat power. The environment is ever-changing, but lessons learned throughout the exercise will continue to refine Kadena’s readiness to project airpower and respond to contingencies as the Keystone to the Pacific.
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