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| US 5th Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Fifth Air Force |
| Caption | Emblem of the Fifth Air Force |
| Dates | 1941–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Numbered air force |
| Role | Air operations |
| Garrison | Yokota Air Base |
| Battles | World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War |
| Notable commanders | George Kenney, George C. Kenney, Ennis C. Whitehead |
US 5th Air Force
The Fifth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force with a continuous presence in the East Asia and Pacific Ocean regions since World War II. Headquartered at Yokota Air Base, the Fifth Air Force has participated in major campaigns including the Philippine Campaign (1944–45), the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, supporting multinational operations with fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, and airlift units.
Formed during the Pacific War era, the organization traces roots to units active in the South West Pacific Theater and the Philippine Campaign (1941–42), coordinating with commanders such as Douglas MacArthur, George C. Kenney, and staff drawn from Far East Air Forces. During World War II, it supported campaigns across New Guinea campaign, the Solomon Islands campaign, and the Philippine Sea operations while confronting forces of the Imperial Japanese Army and the Imperial Japanese Navy. Postwar realignment integrated the command within United States Air Forces in Japan and saw Fifth Air Force play a central role in the Korean War air campaigns including the Incheon Landing support and interdiction against the Korean People's Army. Cold War responsibilities included air defense and deterrence alongside allies such as Japan Self-Defense Forces, participation in SEATO-era activities, and expeditionary deployments during the Vietnam War and later Gulf War era contingency operations.
Fifth Air Force is organized under Pacific Air Forces for theater-level command relationships while hosting operational wings, numbered squadrons, and support groups drawn from units like the 18th Wing, 35th Fighter Wing, and various reconnaissance and airlift squadrons. Its structure integrates joint and combined elements with host-nation commands including Japan Air Self-Defense Force and coordinates through alliances such as the Australia–United States alliance, Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, and multilateral forums like the United Nations Command framework. Staff functions include operations, intelligence, logistics, and plans sections that liaise with commands such as Sixth Air Force and Seventh Air Force when deployed.
Fifth Air Force forces executed strategic and tactical operations during key campaigns: in World War II it conducted air superiority, interdiction, and close air support across New Guinea campaign and Philippine Campaign (1944–45), cooperating with naval aviation from United States Navy carriers and ground forces like the Eighth United States Army. In the Korean War, Fifth Air Force conducted air superiority missions, strategic bombing, close air support during the Pusan Perimeter, and interdiction during the Chinese intervention in Korea, operating alongside units from Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force, and Republic of Korea Air Force. Later operations included rotational deployments in the Vietnam War theater, expeditionary support during the Gulf War, and sustained deterrence missions in the East China Sea and Sea of Japan region, collaborating with allies during exercises such as Cope North and Team Spirit.
Throughout its history, Fifth Air Force has employed a range of aircraft: P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolt, and B-25 Mitchell in World War II; F-86 Sabre, B-29 Superfortress, and F4U Corsair during the Korean War; later platforms including F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Mitsubishi F-2 in combined operations; and support and reconnaissance types such as C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, RC-135, and E-3 Sentry in modern theaters. Air defense and electronic warfare capabilities have integrated systems like AWACS platforms, aerial refueling, and precision-guided munitions from manufacturers tied to programs with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
Key Fifth Air Force installations include Yokota Air Base (headquarters), Misawa Air Base, Kadena Air Base hosting USAF assets in Okinawa Prefecture, and historically Clark Air Base in the Philippines prior to its closure following Mount Pinatubo eruption (1991). Operations have extended to forward operating locations across Japan, South Korea facilities including Osan Air Base and Kunsan Air Base, and temporary basing during campaigns at Henderson Field (Guadalcanal), Port Moresby, and other South Pacific airfields.
Fifth Air Force commanders have included prominent leaders such as George C. Kenney, who led air operations in the South West Pacific Theater, Ennis C. Whitehead, and later twentieth-century generals overseeing Cold War posture and alliance integration. Command relationships have involved exchanges and liaison with commanders like Douglas MacArthur during World War II and the Korean War, and coordination with leaders from Japan Air Self-Defense Force and allied air forces during multinational operations.
The Fifth Air Force emblem and insignia reflect heritage from the Army Air Forces era and campaign streamers earned in theaters such as New Guinea campaign and the Philippine Campaign (1944–45). Traditions include commemorations of battles like the Battle of the Coral Sea and institutional affiliations with unit museums, veterans associations, and educational partnerships with institutions such as National Defense University and regional military history organizations.
Category:United States Air Force numbered air forces Category:Military units and formations established in 1941