Michael Diekmann is ending his 26-year career with the Department of Defense Education Activity, according to an announcement Friday.

Diekmann was the Guam superintendent for DODDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam since January 2004.

He began his career in DODDS as a fourth-grade teacher in Bitburg, Germany, in 1982. He served as principal of several schools in Europe and Bermuda and was superintendent of school districts in Japan and Fort Campbell, Ky., before moving to the Guam post.

Diekmann will assume the duties of superintendent in a small rural district in Missouri.

He will be replaced by Gayle Vaughn-Wiles, who has been superintendent of the Okinawa District since 2002.

Noise to increase during Kadena ORIKADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — An Operational Readiness Inspection will begin Sunday for the 18th Wing and is scheduled to last through Friday.

The weeklong inspection will involve inspectors from Pacific Air Forces who will evaluate the wing’s ability to fulfill its commitments to defend Japan, according to an 18th Wing news release.

The wing warned people living in areas adjacent to the sprawling air base that they might notice an uptick in activity — especially noise — coming from the base.

“During the inspection period, inspectors will judge the wing’s overall level of readiness by examining mobilization procedures, aircraft generation and employment procedures, and the ability of Kadena’s Airmen to operate in simulated crisis conditions,” the media release stated. “Sirens, announcements, explosive sounds and smokes will be used during the inspection.”

That part of the inspection will start Tuesday, the release said, and will be conducted in a way to “minimize the impact on surrounding communities.”