The U.S. Air Force marked “the end of an era” with a ceremonial final flight of the F-15C Eagle, tail number A5095, on August 15, 2024, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

This flight, organized by the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 67th Fighter Squadron, celebrated the aircraft’s farewell to the unit and was the last time that A5095 took to the skies.

The following day, the demilitarization of the aircraft was planned, marking the retirement of the legendary F-15C Eagles from Kadena.

The final flight of A5095 is part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Air Force to modernize its fleet. As part of this effort, Kadena’s aging fleet of F-15C/D Eagles will be returned to the United States, maintaining a rotating fighter presence at the base during the phased withdrawal. This shift reflects a strategic move to replace older models with newer, more modern aircraft.

Since 1979, two F-15 fighter squadrons – the 44th Fighter Squadron and the 67th Fighter Squadron – have been permanently stationed at Kadena Air Base.

However, on October 28, 2022, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to gradually phase out these aging Eagles over the next two years. The gradual withdrawal officially began in December 2022, when the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Squadron in Kadena announced the first departure of several F-15C Eagles to the United States.

The F-15C Eagle is known for its capabilities as a highly maneuverable, all-weather tactical fighter. The Eagle was designed to provide air superiority, and its superiority is based on its exceptional acceleration, range, armament, and advanced avionics.

Over the years, the F-15C has built an illustrious history and boasts an impressive combat record of 104 victories and zero losses.

Staff Sergeant Clark Pacay, a dedicated crew chief with the 18th AMXS assigned to A5095, spoke about the aircraft’s legacy. “It’s an absolutely dominant aircraft with 104 victories and zero losses. To me, the F-15C represents a long history of tradition and an immortal legacy,” he said.

According to the crew members, they are proud of the aircraft and feel a deep connection to it. Their names are printed on the side of the A5095 and represent a meaningful symbol of their connection to the aircraft.

Senior Airman Tyler Lewis, the deputy crew chief for A5095, explained, “It’s a feeling of pride; you feel like what you do is more important.”

Pacay added, “Having a name on the 5095 aircraft, or just on the F-15 in general, is a great asset. There’s a sense of pride in working on the jet and knowing that the Eagle you put in the air is your responsibility and your work. For the jet to come back, complete its mission and ensure the safe return of the pilot – it means a lot to be part of the Air Force mission.”

F-15EX to replace older aircraft

Following the decision to withdraw the F-15C/D Eagles, the U.S. Air Force began deploying F-35s, F-22s, and other fighter aircraft as part of a rotational force at Kadena Air Base. This measure was largely viewed as a stopgap measure until a thorough, long-term strategy for the base’s positioning was formulated.

As the F-15C era in Kadena comes to an end, the Department of Defense has selected the F-15EX Eagle II to maintain the tradition of air superiority in the region.

While the F-15EX shares some features with its predecessor, it features several improvements that enhance its multi-role capabilities and air-to-air defense.

In July 2024, the Pentagon unveiled a modernization plan that calls for the introduction of 36 new F-15EX jets at Kadena Air Base on the island of Okinawa. However, this deployment represents a 25 percent reduction from the previous permanent fighter presence at the base, which consisted of 48 F-15C/Ds.

Nevertheless, the introduction of the F-15EX at Kadena represents a significant improvement to the U.S. Air Force’s defense posture. Kadena remains a key hub for projecting air power across the Pacific, ready to support regional allies and respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Kadena’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region is becoming increasingly important. This positioning enables a rapid response to potential eventualities, particularly with regard to China.

US officials view Kadena’s proximity to potential trouble spots as a strategic advantage, despite China’s growing ability to attack military infrastructure with sophisticated weapons.

Even though the number of fighter aircraft will be reduced, the deployment of 36 F-15EX jets is expected to significantly improve the older fleet of 48 F-15C/Ds.

The F-15EX features more modern avionics, improved electronic warfare capabilities and a greater variety of weapons, including potentially new longer-range munitions.

In addition, the newer jets are expected to require less maintenance, likely resulting in comparable or even improved overall operational readiness compared to the older F-15 models previously based at Kadena.