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5th Air Force Vision
Enable fully successful air, space and cyberspace operations through, from and with Japan.

5th Air Force Mission
Defend Japan, enhance interoperability, maximize Reception, Staging, Onward movement & Integration capabilities, and conduct Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations.

Our coalition operations with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force send a clear message every day that U.S. forward presence is robust, ready and prepared to meet current and future challenges in the region. This strong partnership stems from over 50 years of bilateral operations and long-term relationships. Enduring presence in Japan has been key to the development of this association.

The key to Fifth Air Force's presence is the frontline air bases spanning Japan from north to south.
tabMisawa AB 
35th Fighter WingIn the north, Misawa AB is home to the 35th Fighter Wing, with two squadrons equipped with the most modern Block 50 F-16 variant and dedicated to the suppression of enemy air defenses. Misawa is the only bilateral, joint-service base in the Western Pacific, sharing space with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 3d Air Wing and Northern Air Defense Command, as well as the US Navy's Information Operations Command.

tabYokota AB 
374th Airlift WingIn the center of Japan, just outside Tokyo, lies Yokota AB, home of the 374th Airlift Wing and the 36th Airlift Squadron--the only forward-based tactical airlift squadron in the Pacific. The wing maintains C-130 mission-ready aircrews to conduct tactical and theater airlift, special operations, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, repatriation, and humanitarian-relief missions across the Pacific. In addition, the 374th has C-12s and UH-1s for operational-support airlift and serves as the key airlift hub for the Western Pacific, supporting multiple downrange locations in both peacetime operations and contingencies.
tabKadena AB 
18th Wing   Kadena AB, in Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu Islands, is strategically located for all of the potential major contingency scenarios in the Pacific theater. Kadena hosts the 18th Wing, the largest combat wing in the USAF. With F-15 fighters, KC-135 refuelers, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 18th provides unmatched combat presence and capability in the Western Pacific. This strong USAF presence in Japan gives the United States critical access throughout the region and provides operating locations that we can quickly reinforce should the need arise.
tabPacific Air Forces Mission 
PACAF's primary mission is to provide ready air and space power to promote U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region during peacetime, through crisis and in war.

The command's vision is to be the most respected air warrior team employing the full spectrum of air and space power, with our Asia-Pacific partners, to ensure peace and advance freedom.

PACAF's area of responsibility extends from the west coast of the United States to the east coast of Africa and from the Arctic to the Antarctic, more than 100 million square miles. The area is home to nearly two billion people who live in 44 countries. PACAF maintains a forward presence to help ensure stability in the region.
tabAir Force Mission 
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...in air, space and cyberspace. 

To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision:

The United States Air Force will be a trusted and reliable joint partner with our sister services known for integrity in all of our activities, including supporting the joint mission first and foremost. We will provide compelling air, space, and cyber capabilities for use by the combatant commanders. We will excel as stewards of all Air Force resources in service to the American people, while providing precise and reliable Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for the nation.

The Air Force has three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. These core competencies make our six distinctive capabilities possible:

Air and Space Superiority :  With it, joint forces can dominate enemy operations in all dimensions -- land, sea, air and space.

Global Attack:  Because of technological advances, the Air Force can attack anywhere, anytime -- and do so quickly and with greater precision than ever before.

Rapid Global Mobility:  Being able to respond quickly and decisively anywhere we're needed is key to maintaining rapid global mobility.

Precision Engagement:  The essence lies in the ability to apply selective force against specific targets because the nature and variety of future contingencies demand both precise and reliable use of military power with minimal risk and collateral damage.

Information Superiority:  The ability of joint force commanders to keep pace with information and incorporate it into a campaign plan is crucial.

Agile Combat Support:  Deployment and sustainment are keys to successful operations and cannot be separated. Agile combat support applies to all forces, from those permanently based to contingency buildups to expeditionary forces.

The Air Force bases these core competencies and distinctive capabilities on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

 Inside 5th Air Force

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tabUSFJ Commander's Intent
In support of U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance, United States Forces, Japan works with the Government of Japan and our Self-Defense Force counterparts to promote regional stability and deter aggression. Should deterrence fail, USFJ conducts and supports combat operations to defend Japan. The key to accomplishing these vital missions is to focus on three primary areas: Taking Care of Our People, Strengthening our Joint and Bilateral Defense Capabilities, and Building Better Relations with our Japanese counterparts and neighbors.

Taking Care of Our People:
People are our most important resource. We must create a command environment that encourages every team member to reach his or her full potential. We will strive to select only the best people for assignments to Japan and to make this a premier assignment. Our professional military force must be physically fit, properly trained, and effectively supported by a customer service and support structure that is second to none. Ensuring safety is a 24/7/365 mission. And our family members must know that we understand and value their many contributions to the success of our efforts.

Strengthening Our Joint and Bilateral Defense Capabilities:
The U.S. and Japan are transforming our security alliance to be prepared to respond to any new threats or diverse contingencies that may arise, from natural disasters to aggression. We will execute the direction outlined in the historic U.S.-Japan agreements known as the "Common Strategic Objectives" and "Transformation and Realignment for the Future." As we work closely with our Japanese counterparts, we will strengthen the entire spectrum of our bilateral cooperation in areas such as air and ballistic missile defense, counter-terrorism, maritime security operations, search and rescue, ISR, humanitarian relief, and mutual logistics support activities among many critical tasks. Progress will be driven by close cooperation, enhancing information and intelligence sharing, expanding bilateral training and educational opportunities, and improving military interoperability at all levels. Through our efforts, we will foster increased JSDF officer and enlisted corps capacity and capabilities. We must ensure the modernization and reliability of our command and control networks to effectively prepare and employ the military forces and capabilities of both nations.

Building Better Relations:
The U.S.-Japan alliance is built on the power of personal and professional relationships. The foundation is the individual relationships each one of us as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians build with our Japanese counterparts. Indeed, one of the greatest benefits of a U.S. military assignment to Japan is the opportunity to live and work together with our Japanese partners, and learn more about this fascinating culture and society. Through commitment to the code of conduct of Unwavering Professionalism, our people will be role models for our nation, as well as caring and responsible citizens in Japan. We will work hard to recognize and realize the benefits of our presence in Japan. We will work closely with the Japanese mayors in the communities near our bases to overcome potential areas of concern. We will insist on engagement, collaboration, and cooperation with our Japanese partners and friends - the continuing basis for our nation's most important and successful bilateral security alliance.

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