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NAF ATSUGI

U.S. Air Force•52 members

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About this Unit

NAF ATSUGI

U.S. Air Force

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1950 as a key logistics and support base for U.S. Naval aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. Originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the 1930s, the airfield was taken over by U.S. forces after World War II. Throughout the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War, NAF Atsugi played a critical role in supporting combat operations, maritime patrols, and intelligence missions. Today, it remains an essential hub for U.S. Navy carrier air wing detachments and joint U.S.-Japan operations, contributing to regional security and readiness.

About NAF ATSUGI

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Oldest Naval Air Facility in Japan: NAF Atsugi is the oldest U.S. naval air facility in Japan, with its origins dating back to 1938 when it was first constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Post-WWII Occupation: After World War II, Atsugi was occupied by Allied forces and played a key role in the occupation of Japan, serving as a base for American and British forces.
MacArthur’s Arrival: General Douglas MacArthur landed at Atsugi Airfield on August 30, 1945, marking the beginning of the Allied occupation of Japan.
John Glenn’s Test Flights: Astronaut and senator John Glenn flew F9F Panthers from Atsugi as a Marine test pilot in the early 1950s.
Lee Harvey Oswald’s Posting: Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was stationed at Atsugi while serving as a U.S. Marine radar operator from 1957 to 1958.
Cold War Intelligence: Atsugi was a key site for U-2 spy plane operations, conducting reconnaissance flights over the Soviet Union and China during the Cold War.
Joint U.S.-Japanese Use: The base is home to both U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force units, symbolizing close U.S.-Japan military cooperation.
Critical Disaster Response: NAF Atsugi played a major role in Operation Tomodachi, providing humanitarian support and disaster relief after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Carrier Air Wing Five: The base is known as the home of Carrier Air Wing Five, the only forward-deployed carrier air wing in the U.S. Navy, supporting the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).
Environmental and Community Relations: The base has faced environmental and noise concerns from surrounding Japanese communities, leading to ongoing efforts to improve relations and implement noise abatement measures.

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NAF ATSUGI

U.S. Air Force•52 members

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About this Unit

NAF ATSUGI

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Michele Benjamin

U.S. Navy · 1985 - 1988

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Douglas Frazier

U.S. Navy · 1980 - 1983

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GORDAN STIJAK

U.S. Navy Active Duty · 2022 - 2024

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Stephen Goulart

U.S. Navy · 1965 - 1969

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Air Force photos

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About NAF ATSUGI

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Oldest Naval Air Facility in Japan: NAF Atsugi is the oldest U.S. naval air facility in Japan, with its origins dating back to 1938 when it was first constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Post-WWII Occupation: After World War II, Atsugi was occupied by Allied forces and played a key role in the occupation of Japan, serving as a base for American and British forces.
MacArthur’s Arrival: General Douglas MacArthur landed at Atsugi Airfield on August 30, 1945, marking the beginning of the Allied occupation of Japan.
John Glenn’s Test Flights: Astronaut and senator John Glenn flew F9F Panthers from Atsugi as a Marine test pilot in the early 1950s.
Lee Harvey Oswald’s Posting: Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was stationed at Atsugi while serving as a U.S. Marine radar operator from 1957 to 1958.
Cold War Intelligence: Atsugi was a key site for U-2 spy plane operations, conducting reconnaissance flights over the Soviet Union and China during the Cold War.
Joint U.S.-Japanese Use: The base is home to both U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force units, symbolizing close U.S.-Japan military cooperation.
Critical Disaster Response: NAF Atsugi played a major role in Operation Tomodachi, providing humanitarian support and disaster relief after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Carrier Air Wing Five: The base is known as the home of Carrier Air Wing Five, the only forward-deployed carrier air wing in the U.S. Navy, supporting the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).
Environmental and Community Relations: The base has faced environmental and noise concerns from surrounding Japanese communities, leading to ongoing efforts to improve relations and implement noise abatement measures.