Air Force Surgeon General visits Kadena Air Force Base Published July 22, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Keith A. James 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, JAPAN -- The Air Force Surgeon General visited Kadena's 18th Medical Group July 16 to speak with the group's Airmen about their experiences and goals as well as coin some of their top performers. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas Travis visited the 18th Wing as a part of a Pacific theater tour. The visit included a tour of the 18th MDG facility and a commander's call, where Travis learned more about the 18th MDG mission and interacted with Airmen and staff. He also gained an understanding of the new measures and methods being implemented to provide care for patients. "I've really wanted to lay my eyes on the mission over in the Pacific," Travis said. He wanted to speak with the Airmen in the Pacific region to see their capabilities firsthand and new installments the Airmen were indulged in, the SG added. During his visit, Travis addressed key topics affecting today's Airmen including the Air Force core mission, mission readiness, sexual assault, sequestration and military benefits. He stressed the importance of keeping our Airmen trained and ready, but now on a smaller budget. Travis also touched upon military medicine and its role and how it's changed to now becoming even more critical to the Air Force mission. "At no time in my military career have I seen military medicine and Air Force medicine be considered more a part of operational capabilities," he said. At the conclusion of the brief, the surgeon general thanked the members for their hard work and dedication. "This Wing, this med group, the Shogun medics, I'm proud of you for your mission," Travis said.