Fifth Air Force

Fifth Air Force
Command structure	Pacific Air Forces
Garrison	Yokota Air Base

Fifth Air Force. It is one of the oldest and most historically significant numbered air forces within the United States Air Force, currently serving as the air component for United States Forces Japan. Tracing its lineage to the Philippine Department Air Force and later the Far East Air Force, it played a decisive role in the Pacific War and has been a cornerstone of American airpower in Northeast Asia for decades. Headquartered at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, its mission encompasses air defense, regional stability, and support for the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

History

The organization's origins date to the creation of the Philippine Department Air Force in 1941, which was soon redesignated as the Far East Air Force under the command of Lewis H. Brereton. Following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and the devastating losses at Clark Field, surviving personnel and aircraft were reorganized in Australia. It was formally established as Fifth Air Force in February 1942, with George Kenney taking command later that year. Under Kenney's leadership, it became a premier combat air force, spearheading the Allied advance through New Guinea and the Philippines. After World War II, it moved to Japan as part of the Allied occupation, and later fought throughout the Korean War, executing critical air campaigns from bases in Japan and South Korea. During the Cold War, it was a key element of Pacific Air Forces, maintaining readiness during crises like the Vietnam War and the Pueblo incident.

Organization

As part of Pacific Air Forces, it is structured to provide integrated air and space capabilities. Its major subordinate units include the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, which operates a diverse fleet of fighters, tankers, and airborne warning aircraft. The 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon, while the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base provides vital airlift across the region with C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. It also maintains close operational ties with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, coordinating through bilateral structures like the Joint Operations Center at Yokota Air Base. This organizational framework supports combined training exercises such as Cope North and Keen Edge.

Major operations and campaigns

Its combat history is extensive, beginning with the desperate defense of the Philippines in 1941-1942. During the New Guinea campaign, it achieved air superiority through victories in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea and the sustained Battle of Wau. It supported amphibious assaults at Hollandia and Biak, and provided crucial close air support during the Battle of Leyte and the Battle of Luzon. In the Korean War, it conducted strategic bombing, interdiction, and close air support missions, including the massive air campaign against the Yalu River bridges. It also played a significant role in Operation Strangle and provided critical air cover during the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. More recently, it has supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from its forward locations.

Aircraft

Throughout its history, it has operated a wide array of legendary aircraft. In World War II, its fighters included the P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, and P-51 Mustang, while its bomber force utilized the B-25 Mitchell and B-24 Liberator. The Korean War saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the F-86 Sabre, which achieved fame in MiG Alley, and the F-80 Shooting Star. Its current inventory features modern multi-role fighters such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon, supported by the E-3 Sentry for airborne warning and control, KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for aerial refueling, and the C-130J Super Hercules for tactical airlift.

Commanders

The organization has been led by many notable figures in American aviation history. Its first commander as a numbered air force was Lewis H. Brereton, followed by the transformative leadership of George Kenney, whose innovations defined its tactics in the Southwest Pacific. Other distinguished wartime commanders included Ennis C. Whitehead and Kenneth B. Wolfe. During the Korean War, Earl E. Partridge and Otto P. Weyland commanded. Later commanders have included Lucius D. Clay Jr., who led during the Cold War, and more recent leaders like Edward A. Rice Jr. and Richard B. H. who have focused on strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Bases

Its primary headquarters is at Yokota Air Base, located in western Tokyo, which also serves as a major airlift hub. Another critical installation is Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, one of the largest USAF bases in the Asia-Pacific region. In northern Honshu, Misawa Air Base is a key shared facility with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Historically, it has operated from numerous forward locations, including Port Moresby and Nadzab in New Guinea, Tacloban in the Philippines, and Kimpo Air Base in South Korea during the Korean War.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States in the Korean War Category:Numbered air forces of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1942