Fifth Air Force
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Fifth Air Force is the U.S. Air Force headquarters in Japan, responsible both for the readiness of U.S. units and for relations with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force, including the joint defense of Japan. It is a subordinate command of Pacific Air Forces, the air component of United States Pacific Command.
During World War Two in the Pacific, it was a major air component of the Southwest Pacific Area commanded by Douglas MacArthur.
Second World War
Originally based in the Philippines, it moved to Australia after they fell, and was commanded by Gen. George Kenney. It was also known as Far Eastern Air Force.
Present responsibilities
Located at Yokota Air Base, it is commanded by Lieutenant General Edward Rice, Jr.. Subordinate units are:
- 18th Wing, a composite unit, led by Brigadier General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, which is the largest combat wing in the U.S. Air Force, located at Kadena Air Base
- 353rd Special Operations Group, associate unit
- 35th Fighter Wing
- 374th Airlift Wing
- 605th Air Operations Group
- 20th Operational Weather Squadron