After more than four decades of service, the last F-15C Eagle is officially preparing to depart from Kadena Air Base, Japan. This signifies the end of an era for the United States Air Force’s iconic fleet in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States Air Force’s 18th Wing, the host unit at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, is in the final stages of a major divestment effort as the last of its F-15C/D Eagle aircraft are readied for departure.  

On December 6, 2024, the Department of Defense on the DVIDS network released an image gallery titled “The Last Eagle,” showing members of the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit standing in front of the final F-15C Eagle at Kadena. 

The iconic fighter jet has called the base home since 1979 when the 67th Fighter Squadron – then known as the Tactical Fighter Squadron – became the first fully equipped unit with F-15C/D aircraft in the Pacific Air Forces.

The event represents the completion of a large-scale divestment plan as the Air Force modernizes its capabilities and strengthens its forward-staging position in the Indo-Pacific region.

The F-15C and D variants, part of the broader Eagle family, played an important role in safeguarding the skies over the Indo-Pacific region. Over the years, the 67th and the 44th Fighter Squadron “Vampire Bats” operated a fleet of 48 F-15C/D aircraft from the base. 

However, following an October 2022 announcement by the US Air Force, the phased withdrawal of the F-15C/D fleet began in December 2022. 

The first F-15C Eagles returned to the United States in 2022, with many transitioning to Air National Guard units and others heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group for storage. 

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The aircraft are being replaced with more advanced fighters as part of an ongoing effort to maintain unmatched combat airpower in the region. 

Despite the departure of the Eagles, the Department of Defense has ensured a steady fighter presence at Kadena by temporarily deploying cutting-edge aircraft to take their place. 

Currently, Kadena is hosting F-22 Raptors from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Shaw AFB, South Carolina, and F-35 Lightning IIs from the 34th Fighter Squadron out of Hill AFB, Utah. 

F-15EXs to Strengthen Kadena’s Air Power

In addition to the temporary rotational deployments of more advanced fighter jets, the Pentagon announced a modernization program in July 2024, which includes the arrival of 36 new F-15EX fighters at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island.

The F-15EX is a far more advanced fighter jet than the aging F-15C/D, blending its proven combat performance with cutting-edge design and technology to provide next-generation capabilities. This positions it firmly for the future of warfare.

However, this deployment reflects a 25% decrease compared to the previous permanent fighter presence at the base, which included 48 F-15C/Ds. Moreover, the exact timeline for the arrival of the F-15EX jets is still uncertain.

In November, a spokesperson for the 18th Wing noted that the US and Japanese governments have yet to agree on a specific arrival schedule for the F-15EX. 

But, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, Commander of the 18th Wing, recently revealed that Kadena is expected to receive its first F-15EX jets within the next 12 to 16 months. Pilots and maintenance crews are currently undergoing training in Portland, Oregon, in preparation for their arrival. 

However, there are concerns about potential delays, as three US-based operational units are also waiting for their deliveries, which could slow the pace of deliveries to the Kadena air base. 

Nonetheless, introducing the F-15EX at Kadena is considered a major boost to the US Air Force’s defense capabilities. Kadena continues to fulfill a strategic role in projecting air power across the Pacific.

Evans also made it clear that the new aircraft will be used to counter China’s influence in the region. The integration of the F-15EX at Kadena is also expected to strengthen cooperation with Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, particularly with Japan’s F-15Js stationed at Naha Air Base. The two forces will work closely together to increase interoperability. 

Evans further highlighted that the F-15EX jets would be instrumental in challenging China’s controversial air defense identification zones, particularly in the East China Sea and South China Sea. 

US assets, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, tankers, and MQ-9 drones, are already engaged in operations across these areas, maintaining vigilant surveillance of Chinese military activities. 

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