About this Unit
United States Forces Japan (USFJ) was established in 1957 as a unified command to oversee all U.S. military forces stationed in Japan. Its primary mission is to support the U.S.-Japan security alliance, maintain regional stability, and provide a rapid response capability in East Asia. Throughout its history, USFJ has played a crucial role in deterrence during the Cold War, as well as in disaster relief and humanitarian operations such as after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Headquartered at Yokota Air Base, USFJ continues to foster close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Post-WWII Origins: United States Forces Japan (USFJ) was established in 1957, following the end of the Allied Occupation of Japan, to coordinate and command all US military forces stationed in Japan.
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Headquarters Location: The USFJ headquarters is located at Yokota Air Base, just outside Tokyo, which serves as a strategic hub for US air operations in the Pacific.
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Security Treaty: USFJ operates under the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, which ensures both nations’ commitment to mutual defense.
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Okinawa Presence: Approximately half of all US military personnel in Japan are stationed on the island of Okinawa, a legacy of its strategic importance since World War II.
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Disaster Response: USFJ played a crucial role in Operation Tomodachi after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, providing humanitarian and disaster relief alongside Japanese forces.
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Joint Training: USFJ units regularly conduct joint training and exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), such as Keen Sword and Yama Sakura, to strengthen alliance interoperability.
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Unique Command Structure: The USFJ Commander is dual-hatted, also serving as the Fifth Air Force Commander, enhancing coordination between air operations and overall US presence in Japan.
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Community Relations: USFJ coordinates extensive community engagement, including friendship festivals and English language programs, to foster good relations with Japanese citizens.
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Force Size: There are typically around 50,000 US military personnel, 5,500 Department of Defense civilians, and 25,000 Japanese workers associated with USFJ bases.
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Strategic Deterrence: USFJ serves as a key forward-deployed force in the Indo-Pacific, playing a central role in regional deterrence, especially amid tensions with North Korea and in the South China Sea.
