About this Unit
The 13th Air Force (13th AF) was activated on 14 December 1942 during World War II, initially operating from New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It played a key role in the Pacific Theater, conducting air operations in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines, supporting Allied advances against Japanese forces. After the war, the 13th AF was based primarily in the Philippines and later Guam, maintaining regional security and participating in operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and beyond. The unit was inactivated in 2012 as part of a major reorganization of the United States Air Force's Pacific forces.
Historical Facts
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Creation and Early Role: The 13th Air Force (13th AF) was activated on 14 December 1942 in New Caledonia, during World War II, to oversee air operations in the South Pacific Area.
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Nickname: The 13th AF was often referred to as "The Jungle Air Force" due to its extensive operations in tropical and jungle environments across the Pacific.
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Island-Hopping Campaigns: The unit played a critical role in the island-hopping campaigns, supporting assaults on Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Solomon Islands.
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Legendary Aces: Several famous fighter aces, such as Major Richard I. Bong (the top American ace of WWII) and Major Thomas McGuire, flew missions under 13th AF command.
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First in the Philippines: 13th AF aircraft were among the first Allied planes to return to the Philippines, providing air support for the liberation of the islands.
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Massive Area of Responsibility: At its peak during World War II, the 13th AF controlled more than 12,000 personnel and operated from over 40 airfields across the Pacific.
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Post-War Occupation Duties: After WWII, the 13th AF was stationed in the Philippines and played a role in the occupation of Japan and other postwar stabilization operations in Asia.
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Cold War Realignment: During the Cold War, 13th AF moved its headquarters to Clark Air Base in the Philippines and later to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, focusing on Pacific defense and deterrence.
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Humanitarian Missions: 13th AF was instrumental in disaster relief, including operations after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which led to the evacuation and closure of Clark Air Base.
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Inactivation and Legacy: The 13th Air Force was inactivated in 2012, with its functions absorbed by Pacific Air Forces, but its legacy continues in the form of combined operations and regional partnerships.
