KADENA AIR BASE, Japan –
Experiencing the culture of Japan is an awesome opportunity for Airmen of the 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, but the chance to leave a signature of excellence is even greater.
The 94th AMU is currently deployed to Kadena supporting the 94th Fighter Squadron as part of the Western Pacific theater security package. More than 280 Airmen are deployed there from Langley.
"I've been waiting three years to deploy and it's been everything I thought it would be," said Senior Airman Kian Bridgett, 94th AMU crew chief. "Watching how everyone is coming together as a team to complete the mission is an awesome feeling."
"I'm happy to finally be able to do my job other than in the United States, to be actually deployed in Japan, and launching jets is great," said Staff Sgt. Stephan M. Pfalzer, 94th AMU crew chief.
While at Kadena the Airmen are working hard, but they are also given liberty to explore Japan and soak up the culture. Kadena Air Base is located on the island of Okinawa, a territory of Japan, surrounded by coral reefs and exotic fish.
Airman 1st Class Christy Chesebro, 1st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, inspects pilot equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and parachutes during the duty day, but uses snorkeling equipment such as a mask and flippers on her off duty time. Taking in the unique scenery of the island has been a highlight of this deployment, she says.
The 94th AMU is making the most of their deployment to Japan, from experiencing the culture to setting the standard for future deployments.