CMSSF tours Okinawa installations, highlights joint force integration

Published June 15, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna observes Kadena's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through an engagement with the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The engagement highlighted the critical role intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations play in maintaining regional readiness and deterrence throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna and his spouse, Cathy Bentivegna, visited military installations across Okinawa, June 12, 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into how space-enabled capabilities support regional readiness, strengthen partnerships with allies and partners, and enhance the joint force's ability to operate across the Indo-Pacific.

The CMSSF kicked off the Okinawa tour by visiting Camp Kinser and meeting with Guardians from the 161st Electromagnetic Warfare Combat Detachment, where he received briefings on the status of deployed Guardians providing space electromagnetic support to joint and coalition partners by monitoring military satellite communications and identifying potential sources of interference or jamming to help ensure assured communications across the region.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, right, poses for a photo alongside U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned to the 53d Space Operations Squadron Detachment 5, at Fort Buckner, Japan, June 11, 2026. Bentivegna visited the unit to learn more about its mission and the role Guardians play in supporting space operations and joint force integration throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Next, he visited Fort Buckner, where he met with personnel from the 53rd Space Operations Squadron to observe how Guardians deliver and safeguard critical satellite communications that connect combatant commanders and warfighters around the globe.

"Our U.S. Space Force Guardians positioned here in theater are part of the joint force delivering the warfighting edge we need every single day," Bentivegna said.

While at Kadena, Bentivegna met with Guardians, Airmen and senior leaders and toured operational mission areas that support the installation's role as the Keystone of the Pacific. The visit highlighted how the installation's diverse missions contribute to the joint force's ability to respond rapidly to challenges across the region.

“We need you to embrace accountability, responsibility, innovation, thinking outside the box, and critical thinking,” Bentivegna added. “Set the culture, set the standard, set the environment, and take ownership of it. Remain ready and be the deterrence that keeps this region and America safe.”

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, speaks with Airmen Leadership School students at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 12, 2026. Bentivegna’s immersion emphasized the role of enlisted education in further mentoring the next generation of military leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Will Cupp, 18th Wing command chief, disembark an HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 12, 2026. The flight was part of a tour highlighting the joint force and installations across Okinawa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna records a message for the Armed Forces Network at Camp Foster, Japan, June 11, 2026. The visit provided insight into how AFN informs, connects and supports service members, families and Department of Defense personnel stationed throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Bentivegna’s visit included a flight aboard a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, where he learned more about the unit's personnel recovery mission and its role in supporting joint and coalition operations throughout the region.

During this time, Cathy Bentivegna visited the Kadena Food Pantry, Kadena Youth Center and Military and Family Readiness Center, where she met with staff, volunteers and community members to learn more about programs that support military families, strengthen resilience and enhance mission readiness.

Bentivegna observed Kadena's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through an engagement with the 19th Reconnaissance Squadron. He also met with members of the 353rd Special Operations Wing, where he discussed the wing's unique capabilities and regional partnerships that enable special operations forces to operate throughout the Indo-Pacific.

At the Erwin Professional Military Education Center, Bentivegna met with Airmen and Guardians attending Airman Leadership School to discuss leadership, professional development, and the importance of preparing the next generation of enlisted leaders.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna and his spouse Cathy Bentivegna are welcomed by Brig. Gen. John Gallemore and Chief Master Sgt. Will Cupp upon their arrival at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 11, 2026. Bentivegna visited Kadena to engage with Guardians, Airmen, and senior leaders, gaining insight into the installation’s role in supporting joint force operations and maintaining readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

The vice principal of the Kadena Language Institute, Mr. Toshitatsu Horii, right, guides Cathy Bentivegna, center, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, through classrooms, with key spouses at Kadena Town, Japan, June 12, 2026. KLI is a two-year academy where Japanese students study foreign languages, develop essential computer skills, and learn about international relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amy Kelley)

Cathy Bentivegna, left, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, and key spouses at Kadena are introduced to the 353rd Special Operations Wing’s physical training facility at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 12, 2026. Each stop highlighted programs that strengthen family readiness and quality of life across the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amy Kelley)

"We were honored to host Chief Master Sgt. Bentivegna and Mrs. Bentivegna and share a firsthand look at the missions being executed across Kadena," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Will Cupp, 18th Wing command chief. "From airpower to space-enabled operations, this visit provided an opportunity to showcase team Kadena and the critical capabilities we deliver every day to strengthen regional security and support the joint force across the Indo-Pacific."

Across Okinawa, Airmen and Guardians integrate air, space and joint capabilities to project combat power, enable space operations and strengthen alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific. From satellite command and control and electromagnetic monitoring to rescue, reconnaissance and special operations missions, the capabilities showcased during the visit demonstrate the region's enduring importance to U.S. military readiness and security.