5th Air Force celebrates 66 years

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YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Members of 5th Air Force celebrated its 66th anniversary in a Sept. 21 ceremony at Yokota Air Base. 

Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, led the ceremony.

"Today, 5th Air Force directs its focus on a bilateral approach to maintaining a robust and integrated defense strategy for the Asia-Pacific region," General Wright said. "The United States and the government of Japan have developed a mutual and dedicated military alliance for maintaining peace and stability. Fifth Air Force remains committed to the defense of Japan, but will respond whenever and wherever required."

The War Department established the 5th Air Force on Sept. 20, 1941 -- 16 years before U.S. Forces Japan. It started as the Philippine Department Air Force and re-designated 5th Air Force in 1942 when it was placed under the command of Maj. Gen. George Kenney. General Kenney was Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur's component commander for all allied air services.

Under General Kenney's leadership, 5th Air Force provided the aerial spearhead for General MacArthur's island-hopping campaign. When the war ended, 5th Air Force had an unmatched record of 3,445 aerial victories, led by the nation's two top fighter aces, Maj. Richard Bong and Maj. Thomas McGuire, with 40 and 38 confirmed victories respectively, and two of 5th Air Force's 10 Medal of Honor recipients. 

Fifth Air Force is credited for helping to rebuild the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the South Korean air force. 

The numbered Air Force's mission is three-fold. Members of 5th Air Force plan, conduct, control and coordinate air operations in accordance with tasks assigned by the Pacific Air Forces commander. Second, the staff maintains a level of readiness necessary for successful completion of directed military operations. Lastly, 5th Air Force members assists in the mutual defense of Japan and enhances regional stability by planning, exercising, and executing joint air operations in partnership with Japan.

In order to achieve this mission, 5th Air Force members maintain a deterrent force posture to protect both U.S. and Japanese interests, and conducts appropriate air operations should deterrence fail. 

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