The Okinawa summer heat took its toll on about 20 airmen who staggered or were pulled out of formation during the 18th Wing’s change-of-command ceremony Thursday.
Four airmen with Kadena’s 18th Wing received awards for valor earlier this month for their actions three years ago during an Iranian rocket attack on al Asad Air Base in Iraq.
Airmen assigned to the 18th Wing recently concluded a routine operational readiness exercise designed to sharpen skills needed to ensure security and stability of the lndo-Pacific in any contested environment.
The Air Force plans to replace the two units of F-15 Eagles positioned on Okinawa with rotating units of more advanced, fifth-generation F-22 Raptor stealth fighters for the foreseeable future.