Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Visits Kadena
Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, greets Mr. Jun Azumi, Japan
Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense, upon his arrival to Kadena
Nov. 8. During the visit, Mr. Azumi thanked the wing for conducting the
Kadena Special Olympics and stated "the Defense Minister expresses his deep
appreciation." After receiving a wing mission briefing, Mr. Azumi
commented on the strategic importance of Kadena. Brig. Gen. Wilsbach
explained the efforts the wing takes to mitigate noise issues for the local
community, while at the same time carrying out our mission for the common
defense of Japan. Mr. Azumi also commented on the importance of close
communication with the Okinawa Defense Bureau to help with community
concerns. The visit was wrapped up with a tour of the flightline to view
the runway construction. Mr. Azumi stated that he would like to return to
Kadena again in the future. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell Cannady)