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Kadena E-3 Sentries more lethal than ever

One of the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron’s newest E-3G Sentries takes off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 13, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, flew with the 961st AACS to see the new Block 40/45 system, a new user interface, and how it works in real time.

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USFJ, 5th Air Force Leadership Visits Misawa

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and 5th Air Force commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Snider, USFJ senior enlisted leader, talk with Airmen from the 35th Maintenance Squadron about the importance of their mission during a visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 8, 2021. Rupp and Snider were shown the Hush House where Misawa tests their jet engines prior to being installed in operational aircraft.

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USFJ, 5th Air Force Leadership Visits Misawa

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, participates in a snow removal vehicle test drive during a visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 8, 2021. Misawa AB civil engineers, operate 24-hours during the snow season, ensuring the airfield is open regardless of weather conditions.

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Marine Corps F-35B Conduct First Landing Aboard JS Izumo

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lighting II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 conducts aerial refueling operations with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 off the coast of Japan, Oct. 3, 2021. VMGR-152 provided aerial refueling to VMFA-242 during a capability test of U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft landing on the Japanese Ship Izumo.

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USFJ, 5th Air Force commander visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, coins Staff Sgt. Joseph Catoggio, 18th Communications Squadron cyber transport supervisor, congratulating him on his accomplishments at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 17, 2021. The U.S. Air Force posture in Japan provides a ready and lethal capability that deters adversary aggression, protects the homeland, aids in Japan's defense and enhances regional peace and security.

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Lt. Gen. Rupp Takes Command of U.S. Military in Japan

The official party stands at attention during the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 27, 2021. During the ceremony, Lt Gen. Ricky N. Rupp assumed command of USFJ and 5th AF from Lt. Gen. Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider.

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Lt. Gen. Rupp Takes Command of U.S. Military in Japan

Admiral John C. Aquilino, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander, speaks during the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 27, 2021. Aquilino spoke on the importance of USFJ and 5th AF in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility.

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First wave of COVID-19 vaccines arrives at Yokota

Staff Sgt. Daniel Monzon-Kazhe, 374th Medical Group non-commissioned officer in charge of contingency material, holds a box of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at the immunization’s office on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 26, 2020. Though vaccination has begun, DoD personnel will continue to wear appropriate masks, practice physical distancing, wash hands, and follow restriction of movement to ensure and maintain safety.

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Exercise Yama Sakura 79

Maj. Eric Hurtado (right), assigned to U.S. Army I Corps, discusses preparations for the Combined Arms Rehearsal (CAR) with members of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army during Yama Sakura 79 at Camp Kengun, Japan Dec. 7. Yama Sakura is the largest bilateral and joint command post exercise led by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force which enables both forces to train against a realistic scenario that tests the capabilities and interoperability required to fulfill obligations under the mutual security treaty and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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U.S., Japan Sharpen Skills During Keen Sword 21

Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) descend from a CV-22 Osprey during a fast rope and hoist training as part of exercise Keen Sword 21, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2020. Units from the 374th Airlift Wing, and from the 353rd Special Operations Group accomplished a variety of missions alongside their JSDF and joint partners across the Kanto Plains, allowing the enhancement of bilateral operations between the U.S. and Japan.

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Kadena fighters, maintainers

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joel L. Carey, 18th Wing commander, greets members who return from a deployment to U.S. Central Command Oct. 6, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. While deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations, Airmen conducted more than 1,000 sorties and 5,300 combat hours, which drove 13 phase inspections in six months. They’ll share the skills they learned in combat with Team Kadena, joint partners and allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific

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JSTARS Shine at Kadena Air Base

5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System team members work together to remove outer engine components of an E-8C Joint STARS aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 24, 2020. The Air National Guard and active duty members from Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are on three-month rotations to work with the 5th EACCS on KAB to promote total force integration and joint interoperability.

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PACAF innovation lab

Master Sgt. Kenneth Martin, 753rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent puts augmented reality goggles on Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, in the newly-opened innovation lab at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 25, 2020. Although newly created and opened, The Dojo is stocked with top-tier technology such as AR, 3D printers, prototyping software, and reverse-engineering tools.

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393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron paves way for Dynamic Force Employment

Airmen assigned to the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron, load cargo onto a K Loader from a C-130J Super Hercules, assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, during bilateral exchange training, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 28, 2020. The training was held in conjunction with an Aviation Training Relocation event, providing the opportunity for 5th Air Force and Koku-Jieitai to strengthen bilateral interoperability and readiness in key mission areas such as defensive counter air and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities.

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Yokota RAWS revive mobile navigation aid, drive PACAF’s airfield ACE concept

A small team of multi-capable Airmen from the 374th Operations Support Squadron airfield operations flight disembark a C-130J on the runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during an Agile Combat Employment proof-of-concept demo, Aug. 19, 2020. Airmen from across the OSS set-up, flyability checked, and operationalized a refurbished mobile Tactical Air Navigation system for use in under an hour.

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US demonstrates airpower in Indo-Pacific region with simultaneous bomber missions

U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Japan Air Self Defense Force aircraft conduct a large-scale joint and bilateral integration training exercise Aug. 18, 2020. Four B-1B Lancers, two B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers, and four F-15C Eagles conducted Bomber Task Force missions simultaneously within the Indo-Pacific region over the course of 24 hours. Pacific Air Forces routinely conducts BTF operations to show the United States’ commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

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Virtual First Term Airmen Course

The newest First Term Airmen Course students listen to a virtual brief given by the 18th Wing Base Historian William McEvoy, Aug. 5, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Incoming Airmen are required to attend the First Term Airmen Course at their first assignment location.

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35th Fighter Wing Guidon Passed to New Commander

U.S. Air Force members of the base honor guard post the colors during the 35th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 13, 2020. Col. Kristopher W. Struve, relinquished command of the 35th Fighter Wing to Col. Jesse J. Friedel during the official ceremony.

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Green light, Go: JGSDF conduct jump training from Yokota C-130's

Japan Ground Self Defense Force paratroopers board a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 9, 2020. Over the course of two days, Japan Ground Self Defense Force paratroopers and Yokota service members completed a bilateral jump training mission, enhancing U.S. and Japanese interoperability.

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Yokota Showcases Adaptability and Mission Capability with Samurai Surge

Aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 459th Airlift Squadron and 21st Special Operations Squadron participate in the elephant walk portion of the Samurai Surge training exercise, May 21, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Samurai Surge event also served as a training opportunity for aircrews to fine tune their skillsets and better prepare themselves to respond to humanitarian aid and disaster relief scenarios throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

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