Far East Air Forces (United States)

Far East Air Forces (United States)
Unit name	Far East Air Forces
Caption	Emblem of the Far East Air Forces
Dates	1944–1957
Country	United States
Branch	United States, 1912 (1944–1947), United States (1947–1957)
Type	Major Command
Role	Theater Air Operations
Garrison	HQ at Fuchū, Tokyo|Fuchū, Japan
Notable commanders	George Kenney, Earle E. Partridge, O. P. Weyland
Battles	World War II, Occupation of Japan, Korean War
Identification symbol label	Tail code
Identification symbol	FEAF

Far East Air Forces (United States). The Far East Air Forces (FEAF) was a Major Command of the United States Army Air Forces and later the United States Air Force, established to conduct aerial warfare across the Pacific Theater of Operations. It served as the primary air component for United States Army Forces in the Far East and played a decisive role in the final campaigns of World War II, the subsequent Occupation of Japan, and the entirety of the Korean War. Headquartered primarily at Fuchū Air Base in Japan, FEAF was redesignated as Pacific Air Forces in 1957, continuing its strategic mission in the Asia-Pacific region.

History

FEAF was activated on August 3, 1944, at Brisbane, Australia, under the command of General George Kenney, consolidating previous commands like the Fifth Air Force and Thirteenth Air Force. It provided critical air support for Douglas MacArthur's campaigns in the Southwest Pacific, including the liberation of the Philippines and planned operations for the invasion of Japan. Following the Surrender of Japan, FEAF headquarters moved to Tokyo and assumed responsibility for air defense and occupation duties across Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The command was instrumental in the rapid deployment of air power at the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, orchestrating the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the incheon landings.

Organization

The command structure of FEAF evolved significantly from its inception. Its core operational components during World War II and the Korean War included the Fifth Air Force, responsible for tactical operations in Japan and Korea; the Thirteenth Air Force, covering the South Pacific; and the Twentieth Air Force, which controlled B-29 Superfortress strategic bombing operations from the Mariana Islands. Additional supporting organizations were the Far East Air Materiel Command, Far East Air Forces Base Command, and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, which operated under FEAF control during the Korean War. This integrated structure allowed for coordinated execution of interdiction, Close air support, and Strategic bombing missions across the theater.

Commanders

FEAF was led by several prominent American air commanders. Its first and longest-serving commander was General George Kenney, a pioneer of tactical air power who led from 1944 until 1946. He was succeeded by General Ennis C. Whitehead and then Lieutenant General George E. Stratemeyer, who commanded at the start of the Korean War. Following Stratemeyer's illness, Lieutenant General Earle E. Partridge served as acting commander during critical early campaigns. Command later passed to General O. P. Weyland, a key architect of air strategy during the latter half of the Korean War, who oversaw FEAF's transition until its inactivation.

Major operations and campaigns

FEAF planned and executed extensive air campaigns across multiple conflicts. In World War II, these included the Bombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities, the Battle of Leyte, and the Battle of Okinawa. During the Korean War, FEAF directed the pivotal air campaign, achieving air superiority and conducting massive strategic bombing against North Korea. Key operations included the airlift and close support at the Chosin Reservoir, the sustained interdiction campaign against communist supply lines, and the extensive use of jet fighters like the North American F-86 Sabre in MiG Alley against Soviet MiG-15s.

Aircraft and equipment

FEAF operated a diverse array of aircraft, transitioning from propeller-driven to jet-powered types. Its World War II inventory included the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and North American B-25 Mitchell. The Korean War saw the introduction of jet aircraft such as the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, Republic F-84 Thunderjet, and the famed North American F-86 Sabre. Strategic bombing was conducted by the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, while transport and reconnaissance roles were filled by aircraft like the Douglas C-54 Skymaster and Lockheed RF-80 Shooting Star. This equipment enabled FEAF to conduct a full spectrum of air operations under demanding combat conditions.

Legacy and lineage

The Far East Air Forces was inactivated on July 1, 1957, and immediately redesignated as Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), which remains a primary Major Command of the United States Air Force headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Hawaii. FEAF's lineage, honors, and history are perpetuated by PACAF, which continues the mission of providing integrated air and space power across the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. The command's experiences in World War II and the Korean War fundamentally shaped U.S. Air Force doctrine for theater air warfare, joint operations, and rapid force projection.

Category:Commands of the United States Army Air Forces Category:Commands of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1944 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1957