Intel leaders visit wing members in Japan

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and the Director of Defense Intelligence (Warfighter Support) recently visited with members of the Fightin’ Fifty Fifth during a visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan.

The Honorable Marcel Lettre and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan stopped and met with members of the 82d Reconnaissance Squadron and 390th Intelligence Squadron during a multiday visit to the Pacific.

“It was an awesome opportunity for our Airmen to showcase their mission and display what the RC-135 brings to the intelligence community,” said Lt. Col. Beau Nicewanner, 82d RS commander.

While at Kadena, the two leaders toured the 82d RS and 390th IS, received a mission brief about the capabilities of the 55th Wing’s fleet and toured an RC-135S Cobra Ball as well as a P-8 Poseidon.

Their trip culminated with a familiarization flight in an RC-135V/W Rivet Joint courtesy of personnel deployed from 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron.

“In the end, Secretary Lettre and General Shanahan thanked our Airmen for their exemplary work and dedication to the intelligence community and Pacific Command mission,” Nicewanner said. “They added that there much activity going on in North Korea and the South China Sea. The Airmen of the Fighting 55th are providing key intelligence that aids in U.S. policy making and our nation’s military strategy.”