NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, located in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1972 to support U.S. naval aviation operations in the region. Its mission focused on providing logistical, administrative, and operational support to U.S. Navy aviation units deployed to northern Japan, particularly for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence missions during the Cold War. NAF Misawa played a significant role in U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, hosting rotational patrol squadrons and participating in joint exercises. Over the years, the facility has adapted to evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, continuing to serve as a key element in maintaining regional stability and U.S. forward presence.