Fifth Air Force | |
---|---|
Active | 16 August 1941 – present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Yokota Air Base |
Engagements | |
Decorations | |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Lieutenant General Jerry P. Martinez |
Notable commanders |
George Kenney Earle E. Partridge Richard Myers |
Insignia | |
Emblem of the Fifth Air Force |
An F-16 from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan
The Fifth Air Force (5 AF) is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It is the U.S. Air Force's oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force. The organization has provided 70 years of continuous air power to the Pacific since its establishment in September 1941.
Fifth Air Force is the Headquarters Pacific Air Forces forward element in Japan, and maximizes partnership capabilities and promotes bilateral defense cooperation. In addition, 5 AF is the air component to United States Forces Japan.
Its mission is three-fold. First, it plans, conducts, controls, and coordinates air operations assigned by the PACAF Commander. Fifth Air Force maintains a level of readiness necessary for successful completion of directed military operations. And last, but certainly not least, Fifth Air Force assists in the mutual defense of Japan and enhances regional stability by planning, exercising, and executing joint air operations in partnership with Japan. To achieve this mission, Fifth Air Force maintains its deterrent force posture to protect both U.S. and Japanese interests, and conducts appropriate air operations should deterrence fail.
Fifth Air Force is commanded by Lieutenant General Jerry P. Martinez.