5th Air Force

• Origins in World War II: The 5th Air Force was originally formed as the Philippine Department Air Force in September 1941, just months before the outbreak of war in the Pacific. • Heroic Defense of the Philippines: Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the unit's early members fought valiantly during the defense of the Philippines against the Japanese invasion in 1941–1942. • General George Kenney’s Leadership: General George C. Kenney took command in 1942 and transformed the 5th Air Force into a highly effective fighting force, pioneering new tactics in air warfare. • Innovations in Air Power: The 5th Air Force was instrumental in developing low-level attack tactics, skip bombing, and the use of parafrag bombs against enemy shipping and airfields. • Key Role in New Guinea Campaign: The unit played a decisive role in the Allied campaign in New Guinea, helping to turn the tide against Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific. • First U.S. Unit in Japan after WWII: The 5th Air Force was the first U.S. air unit to be stationed in Japan following the Japanese surrender in 1945, helping with occupation duties. • Critical in the Korean War: During the Korean War (1950-1953), the 5th Air Force provided the bulk of the U.S. Air Force's combat power, earning numerous unit citations for its actions. • Home to Famous Aces: Several legendary fighter aces, including Major Richard Bong (America’s top ace in WWII), served with the 5th Air Force. • Headquarters in Japan: Today, the 5th Air Force is headquartered at Yokota Air Base in Japan, serving as the main USAF component in the country and supporting the U.S.-Japan alliance. • Promoting Regional Security: The 5th Air Force continues to be a key player in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, regularly participating in joint exercises and humanitarian missions.