Members of the Air Force's 18th Wing and local government officials in Okinawa, Japan, conducted a joint tsunami evacuation drill at Kadena Air Base on September 19, 2026, with nearly 100 residents of the coastal town of Chatan participating in the exercise for the third consecutive year.
The drill tested coordination among base and local agencies to ensure residents can reach higher ground without delay. The 18th Wing Command Post sent an initial emergency alert, followed by the 18th Security Forces Squadron escorting participants across the base. Chatan's shoreline faces exposure to coastal hazards, and the regular exercises help teams streamline evacuation procedures.
"I am deeply grateful that the training and coordination we have conducted together on a regular basis help us respond effectively when an actual emergency occurs," said Mayor Masashi Toguchi, according to the Air Force.
The practical importance of the training was demonstrated in June, when a tsunami advisory prompted base personnel to open the gates so residents could evacuate to safer locations. The town of Chatan is situated directly between the coast and Kadena Air Base and relies on protocols allowing civilians to access base gates when coastal areas become unsafe.