Vatsim Sunday, August 16, RODN Kaden Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan

Vatsim Sunday, August 16, RODN Kaden Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan 

Kadena Air Base (嘉手納飛行場, Kadena Hikōjō) (IATA: DNA, ICAO: RODN) is a United States Air Force base in the towns of Kadena and Chatan and the city of Okinawa, in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is often referred to as the "Keystone of the Pacific" because of its highly strategic location.^[2] It is located 650 km (400 mi) off the coast of China and at a distance of 770 km (480 mi) from Shanghai, a major Chinese economic hub. It is home to the USAF's 18th Wing, the 353rd Special Operations Wing, reconnaissance units, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and a variety of associated units. Over 20,000 American servicemembers, family members, and Japanese employees live or work at Kadena Air Base.^[3] It is the largest and most active U.S. Air Force base in East Asia.^[4]

Kadena Air Base's history dates back to just before the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945, when a local construction firm completed a small airfield named Yara Hikojo near the village of Kadena. The airfield, used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force, was one of the first targets of the Tenth United States Army 7th Infantry Division. The United States seized it from the Japanese during the battle.

Keeping with this month’s theme, no problems with any aircraft here.  Tower/CTAF frequency is 134.10 however, there are no VATSIM requirements for this airport, so 122.80 may be best.  No arrivals for this airport so be prepared to be vectored if ATC is online.  There is no “terminal” here so first on the ground find us a spot.