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{{Short description|Numbered air force of the United States Air Force responsible for the Japanese region}}
{{Morerefs|date=April 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name = Fifth Air Force
|image = Fifth Air Force - Emblem.png
|caption = Shield of the Fifth Air Force
|dates = 5 February 1942 – present (as Fifth Air Force)<br/>5 February 1942 – 18 September 1942 (as 5 Air Force)<br/>28 October 1941 – 5 February 1942 (Far Eastern Air Force)<br/>16 August 1941 – 28 October 1941 (as Philippine Department Air Force)<br/>({{Age in years and months|1941|08|16}})<ref name="af.mil">{{cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433091/fifth-air-force-pacaf/|title=Fifth Air Force (PACAF)|website=af.mil}}</ref>
|country={{USA}}
|branch = {{air force|USA}} (18 September 1947 – present)<br/> [[File:Seal of the United States Department of War.png|23px]] [[United States Army]] ([[File:US Army Air Corps Hap Arnold Wings.svg|23px]] [[Army Air Forces]], 16 August 1941 – 18 September 1947)
|type = [[Numbered Air Force]]
|role = Provide combat-ready air forces for [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]] and [[U.S. Forces Japan]], along with serving as the [[Joint Force Air Component Commander|air component]] for [[U.S. Forces Japan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.5af.pacaf.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/459102/5th-air-force/|title=5TH AIR FORCE|website=af.mil}}</ref>
|size = 
|command_structure = [[File:Pacific Air Forces.svg|23px]] [[Pacific Air Forces]]<br/> [[File:US Indo-Pacific Command Seal.svg|23px]] [[U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]]<br/>[[File:Seal of the USFJ.svg|23px]] [[U.S. Forces Japan]]
|garrison = [[Yokota Air Base]], Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
|garrison_label = Headquarters
|nickname = 
|motto = 
|colors = 
|march = 
|mascot = 
|battles = {{collapsible list
|titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
|title = ''See list''
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]<br/>[[Asiatic-Pacific Theater|World War II - Asiatic-Pacific Theater]]
*[[Philippines campaign (1941–1942)|Philippines Campaign]]
*[[Dutch East Indies campaign|East Indies]]
*[[Invasion of Buna–Gona|Papua]]
*[[New Guinea campaign|New Guinea]]
*[[Operation Dexterity|Bismark Archipelago]]
*[[Battle of Leyte|Leyte]]
*[[Battle of Luzon|Luzon]]
*[[Philippines Campaign (1944–1945)|Southern Philippines]]
[[File:Korean Service Medal - Streamer.png|200px]]<br/>[[Korean War]]
*UN Defenseive
*UN Offensive
*CCF Intervention
*First UN Counteroffensive
*CCF Spring Offensive
*UN Summer-Fall Offensive
*Second Korean Winter
*Summer-Fall 1952
*Third Korean Winter
*Summer-Fall 1953
<ref name="af.mil"/>
}}
|decorations = {{collapsible list
|titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
|title = ''See list''
|[[File:Streamer PUC Army.PNG|200px]]<br/>[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Distinguished Unit Citation]]
*Philippine Islands
*Papua
[[File:US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg|200px]]<br/>[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]<br/>[[File:Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) Streamer.png|200px]]<br/>[[Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation|Philippine Presidential Unit Citation]]<br/>[[File:Streamer KPUC.PNG|200px]]<br/>[[Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation|Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]
<ref name="af.mil"/>
}}
|website = {{url|https://www.5af.pacaf.af.mil/}}
|commander1= [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lt Gen]] [[Stephen Jost|Stephen F. Jost]]
|commander1_label = Commander
|commander2 = [[Colonel (United States)|Col]] [[John M. Schutte]]
|commander2_label = Deputy Commander
|commander3 = [[Command chief master sergeant|CMSgt]] [[Shaun E. Campbell]]
|commander3_label = Command Chief
|notable_commanders = [[George Kenney]]<br/>[[Earle E. Partridge]]<br/> [[Samuel E. Anderson]]<br/>[[Glenn O. Barcus]]<br/>[[Richard Myers]]
|anniversaries = 
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol = 
|identification_symbol_label = 
<!-- Aircraft -->
|aircraft_attack = 
|aircraft_bomber = 
|aircraft_Command_and_Control = 
|aircraft_electronic = 
|aircraft_fighter =  
|aircraft_interceptor = 
|aircraft_patrol = 
|aircraft_recon = 
|aircraft_transport =  
|aircraft_tanker = 
}}

The '''Fifth Air Force''' ('''5 AF''') is a [[Numbered Air Force]] of the [[United States Air Force]] [[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF). It is headquartered at [[Yokota Air Base]], Japan. It is the U.S. Air Force's oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force. The organization has provided 80 years of continuous air power to the Pacific since its establishment in September 1941.<ref name="factsheet">{{Cite web|url=https://www.5af.pacaf.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/459102/5th-air-force/|title=Fact Sheet 5th Air Force|date=23 April 2012|publisher=5th Air Force Public Affairs|access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref>

Fifth Air Force is the Headquarters Pacific Air Forces forward element in Japan, and maximizes partnership capabilities and promotes bilateral defense cooperation. In addition, 5 AF is the air component to [[United States Forces Japan]].<ref name="factsheet"/>

Its mission is three-fold. First, it plans, conducts, controls, and coordinates air operations assigned by the PACAF Commander. Fifth Air Force maintains a level of readiness necessary for successful completion of directed military operations. And last, but certainly not least, Fifth Air Force assists in the mutual defense of Japan and enhances regional stability by planning, exercising, and executing joint air operations in partnership with Japan. To achieve this mission, Fifth Air Force maintains its deterrent force posture to protect both U.S. and Japanese interests, and conducts appropriate air operations should deterrence fail.<ref name="factsheet"/>

Fifth Air Force is commanded by Lieutenant General [[Stephen Jost]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boyle |first=Patrick |date=April 14, 2025 |title=35th FW Welcomes USFJ Commander Lt. Gen. Jost |url=https://www.misawa.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4153641/35th-fw-welcomes-usfj-commander-lt-gen-jost/}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|United States Army Air Forces in Australia}}
[[File:Fifth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).svg|left|100px]]
Fourteen [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]]es that survived the [[Battle of the Philippines (1941-42)|Battle of the Philippines]] left Mindanao for [[Darwin, Australia]], between 17 and 20 December 1941, the only aircraft of the [[Far East Air Force (United States)|Far East Air Force]] to escape. After its evacuation from the Philippines on 24 December 1941, FEAF headquarters moved to Australia and was reorganized and redesignated '''5 Air Force''' on 5 February 1942, with most of its combat aircraft based on fields on Java.  It seemed at the time that the Japanese were advancing just about everywhere. The remaining heavy bombers of the 19th Bombardment Group, based at [[Malang]] on Java, flew missions against the Japanese in an attempt to stop their advance. They were joined in January and February, two or three at a time, by 37 B-17Es and 12 [[B-24 Liberator|LB-30s]] of the [[7th Bomb Wing|7th Bombardment Group]]. The small force of bombers, never numbering more than 20 operational at any time, could do little to prevent the invasion of the Netherlands East Indies, launching valiant but futile attacks against the masses of Japanese shipping, with six lost in combat, six in accidents, and 26 destroyed on the ground.

The 7th Bombardment Group was withdrawn to India in March 1942, leaving the 19th to carry on as the only B-17 Fortress-equipped group in the South Pacific.  About this time it was decided that replacement B-17s would not be sent to the southwest Pacific, but be sent exclusively to the [[Eighth Air Force]] which was building up in England.  By May, Fifth Air Force's surviving personnel and aircraft were detached to other commands and the headquarters remained unmanned for several months, but elements played a small part in the [[Battle of the Coral Sea]] (7–8 May 1942) when the 435th Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group saw the Japanese fleet gathering in [[Rabaul]] area nearly two weeks before the battle actually took place. Because of the reconnaissance activity of the 435th Bomb Squadron, the US Navy was prepared to cope adequately with the situation. The squadron was commended by the US Navy for its valuable assistance not only for its excellent reconnaissance work but for the part played in the battle.

=== 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group ===
<blockquote>The situation in New Guinea during June of 1942, was critical.  Port Moresby was the last remaining Allied foothold on the island and the Japanese seemed determined to take it at all costs.  After their victory in the Java Sea Battle, in March of 1942, the enemy swarmed down through New Guinea’s northern coast like locusts—taking Wewak, Rabaul, Madang and Lae in quick succession.  Following the capture of Lae the Japanese staged, by June, two determined attempts to take Port Moresby.  In their first attempt they tried to move overland from Salamaua and Lae through the Owen and Stanley Range, but their forces bogged down in the heavy rains of the Markham Valley.  The second attempt was a naval attack to cut Moresby off from Australia and land sea-borne troops on the southern coasts of the island.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official History of the 39th Fighter Squadron. |url=https://www.5thaf.org/39th-fighter-squadron-part1.cfm |website=}}</ref></blockquote>Headquarters '''Fifth Air Force''' was re-staffed at [[Brisbane]], Australia on 18 September 1942 and placed under the command of Major General [[George Kenney]]. [[United States Army Air Forces]] units in Australia, including Fifth Air Force, were eventually reinforced and re-organised following their initial defeats in the Philippines and the East Indies.  At the time that Kenney had arrived, Fifth Air Force was equipped with three fighter groups and five bombardment groups.

{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
Fighter Groups:
* [[8th Operations Group|8th FG]] (P-39) Townsville, Australia
* [[35th Operations Group|35th FG]] (P-40) Port Moresby, New Guinea
* [[49th Operations Group|49th FG]] (P-40) Darwin, Australia
{{Col-break}}
Bomber Groups:
* [[3d Operations Group|3rd BG]] (B-25, A-20, & A-24) Charters Towers, Australia
* [[19th Operations Group|19th BG]] (Non-Operational.  Battle scarred from Philippines & Java) Mareeba, Australia
* [[22d Operations Group|22nd BG]] (B-26) Woodstock, Australia
* [[38th Bombardment Group|38th BG]] (B-25) Charters Towers, Australia
* 43rd BG (B-17 until 1943; B-24 1943–1945) Port Moresby, New Guinea
{{Col-end}}

In addition, Fifth Air Force controlled two transport squadrons and one photographic squadron comprising 1,602 officers and 18,116 men.

Kenney was later appointed commander of Allied air forces in the [[South West Pacific Area]], reporting directly to [[General Douglas MacArthur]]. Under Kenney's leadership, the Fifth Air Force and [[Royal Australian Air Force]] provided the aerial spearhead for MacArthur's island hopping campaign.

=== US Far East Air Forces ===
[[File:Feaf.gif|left|100px]]
On 4 November 1942, the Fifth Air Force commenced sustained action against the Japanese in Papua New Guinea and was a key component of the [[New Guinea campaign]] (1942–1945).  Fifth Air Force engaged the Japanese again in the [[Philippines campaign (1944–45)]] as well as in the [[Battle of Okinawa]] (1945).

Fifth Air Force along with [[Thirteenth Air Force]] in the Central Pacific and [[Seventh Air Force]] in Hawaii were assigned to the newly created '''[[PACAF|United States Far East Air Forces]]''' (FEAF) on 3 August 1944. FEAF was subordinate to the U.S. Army Forces Far East and served as the headquarters of Allied Air Forces Southwest Pacific Area. By 1945, the three numbered air forces were supporting operations throughout the Pacific.  FEAF was the functional equivalent in the Pacific of the [[United States Strategic Air Forces]] (USSTAF) in the [[European Theater of Operations]].

=== Order of battle, 1945 ===
[[File:Fifth U.S. Air Force Zones of Responsibility, 1945-1947.jpg|thumb|Fifth U.S. Air Force Zones of Responsibility, 1945–1947]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!  V Fighter Command
!  Night Fighter Units
!  V Bomber Command
!  Photo Reconnaissance
!  54th Troop Carrier Wing
|-
|  [[353d Special Operations Group|3d ACG]] ([[P-51]], [[C-47]])
|  [[418th Night Fighter Squadron|418th NFS]]
|  [[3d Operations Group|3d BG (L)]] ([[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]], [[Douglas DB-7|A-20]])
|  6th RG ([[F-5 Lightning|F-5]], [[F-7 Liberator|F-7]])
|  2d CCG
|-
|  [[8th Operations Group|8th FG]] ([[P-40]], [[P-38 Lightning|P-38]])
|  [[421st Fighter Squadron|421st NFS]]
|  [[22nd Bomb Group (Red Raiders) 5th Army Air Force|22d BG]] (M/H) ([[B-26 Marauder|B-26]] – [[B-24 Liberator|B-24]])
|  [[71st Reconnaissance Group|71st RG]] ([[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]])
|  [[317th Tactical Airlift Group|317th TCG]]
|-
|  [[35th Fighter Group|35th FG]] ([[P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47]], [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]])
|  [[547th Night Fighter Squadron|547th NFS]]
|  [[38th Combat Support Wing|38th BG]] (M) ([[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]])
|
|  [[374th Airlift Wing|374th TCG]] (1943 only)
|-
|  [[49th Operations Group|49th FG]] (P-40, [[P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47]], [[P-38 Lightning|P-38]])
|
|  [[43d Operations Group|43d BG (H)]] ([[B-24 Liberator|B-24]])
|
|  [[375th Operations Group|375th TCG]]
|-
|  [[58th Fighter Group|58th FG]] (P-47)
|
|  [[90th Operations Group|90th BG]] (H) ([[B-24 Liberator|B-24]])
|
|  [[433rd Operations Group|433d TCG]]
|-
|  [[348th Fighter Group|348th FG]] ([[P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47]], [[P-51 Mustang|P-51]])
|
|  312th BG (L) ([[Douglas DB-7|A-20]])
|
|
|-
|  [[475th Fighter Group|475th FG]] ([[P-38 Lightning|P-38]])
|
|  [[345th Bomb Group|345th BG (M)]] ([[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]])
|
|
|-
|
|
|  [[380th Bomb Group|380th BG (H)]] ([[B-24 Liberator|B-24]])
|
|
|-
|
|
|  417th BG (L) ([[Douglas DB-7|A-20]])
|
|
|-
|-
|}

<small>LEGEND: ACG – Air Commando Group, FG – Fighter Group, NFS – Night Fighter Squadron, BG (L) – Light Bomb Group, BG (M) – Medium Bomb Group, BG (H) – Heavy Bomb Group, RG – Reconnaissance Group, CCG – Combat Cargo Group, TCG – Troop Carrier Group </small>

When the war ended, Fifth Air Force had an unmatched record of 3,445 aerial victories, led by the nation's two top fighter aces Major [[Richard Bong]] and Major [[Thomas McGuire]], with 40 and 38 confirmed victories respectively, and two of Fifth Air Force's ten Medal of Honor recipients.

Shortly after World War II ended in August, Fifth Air Force relocated to [[Iruma Air Base|Irumagawa Air Base]], Japan, about 25 September 1945 as part of the [[occupied Japan|Allied occupation forces]].  The command remained in Japan until 1 December 1950 performing occupation duties.

===Korean War===
{{Further|USAF Units and Aircraft of the Korean War}}&nbsp; 
[[File:FIFTH AIR FORCE, KOREA-With a photograph of a Communist gun position in front of him, Sgt. James E. Kindseth moves... - NARA - 542277 - restored.jpg|thumb|Fifth Air Force photographic analyst elucidates the location of enemy [[flak]] batteries to plan fighter-bomber attacks, 1952]]
[[File:F-86-4fiw.jpg|thumb|North American F-86F-25-NH Sabres of the 4th FIW over Korea. Serial 52-5346 identifiable]]
In 1950, Fifth Air Force was called upon again, becoming the main [[United Nations Command]] combat air command during the [[Korean War]], and assisted in bringing about the [[s:Korean Armistice Agreement|Korean Armistice Agreement]] that formally ended the war in 1953.

In the early morning hours of 25 June, North Korea launched a sudden, all-out attack against the south. Reacting quickly to the invasion, Fifth Air Force units provided air cover over the skies of [[Seoul]]. The command transferred to Seoul on 1 December 1950, remaining in South Korea until 1 September 1954.

In this first Jet War, units assigned to the Fifth Air Force racked up an unprecedented 14.5 to 1 victory ratio. By the time the truce was signed in 1953, Fifth Air Force had flown over 625,000 missions, downing 953 North Korean and Chinese aircraft, while close air support accounted for 47 percent of all enemy troop casualties.

Thirty-eight fighter pilots were identified as aces, including [[James Jabara|Lieutenant Colonel James Jabara]], America's first jet ace; and [[Joseph C. McConnell|Captain Joseph McConnell]], the leading Korean War ace with 16 confirmed victories. Additionally, four [[Medal of Honor|Medals of Honor]] were awarded to Fifth Air Force members. One other pilot of note was [[John Glenn|Marine Major John Glenn]], who flew for Fifth Air Force as part of an exchange program.

With the end of combat in Korea, Fifth Air Force returned to normal peacetime readiness Japan in 1954.

===Cold War===
The Fifth Air Force played a critical role in establishing the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] as well as the [[Republic of Korea Air Force]]. These and other peacetime efforts lasted a decade before the [[Gulf of Tonkin]] Crisis led to the start of the [[Vietnam War]].

The Fifth Air Force furnished aircraft, aircrews, Support personnel, and supplies throughout the eight years of combat operations in [[South Vietnam]] and Laos. Since 1972, the command has played active or supporting roles in a variety of issues ranging from being first on the scene at the [[Korean Air Lines Flight 007]] shoot down in 1983 to deploying personnel and supplies for the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] in 1990.

During this time, the size of Fifth Air Force changed as well. With the activation of [[Seventh Air Force]] in 1986, fifth left the Korean Peninsula and focused its energy on continuing the growing bilateral relationship with Japan.

The Fifth Air force has responded to natural disasters in Japan and abroad, including the [[Great Hanshin earthquake]] in 1995 and [[Super Typhoon Paka]] in Guam in 1997. Fifth Air Force has reached out to provide assistance to victims of floods, typhoons, volcanoes, and earthquakes throughout the region.

The [[432d Tactical Fighter Wing]] flew F-16s from Misawa Air Base from July 1, 1984 – October 31, 1994. On the inactivation of the wing, its personnel, aircraft, and other assets were used to reform the [[35th Fighter Wing]].

==Present Day==
In late 2024, according to the organization's website, major components include the [[18th Wing]], [[Kadena Air Base]], [[Okinawa Prefecture]], Japan; the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, and the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base.<ref>[https://www.5af.pacaf.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/459102/5th-air-force/ af.mil]</ref> Kadena AB hosts the 18th Wing, the largest combat wing in the USAF. The Wing includes F-15 fighters, [[Boeing KC-135]] aerial refuelling aircraft, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and represents a major combat presence and capability in the Western Pacific. The [[35th Fighter Wing]], [[Misawa Air Base]], Japan, includes two squadrons equipped with the Block 50 F-16 variant, dedicated to the [[suppression of enemy air defenses]]. The final formation is the [[374th Airlift Wing]], at [[Yokota Air Base]], Japan.

According to a 2017 study by two US Navy commanders, in case of a surprise Chinese ballistic missile attack against airbases in Japan, more than 200 U.S. aircraft would be trapped or destroyed on the ground in the first hours of the conflict.<ref>Shugart, Thomas & Gonzalez, Javier [https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.org/documents/CNASReport-FirstStrike-Final.pdf First Strike: China’s Missile Threat to U.S. Bases in Asia 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731052306/https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.org/documents/CNASReport-FirstStrike-Final.pdf |date=31 July 2020 }} Retrieved September 16, 2017</ref>

==Lineage, assignments, stations, and components==

===Lineage===
* Established as '''Philippine Department Air Force''' on 16 August 1941
: Activated on 20 September 1941
: Redesignated: '''[[Far East Air Force (United States)|Far East Air Force]]''' on 16 November 1941
: Redesignated: '''5 Air Force''' on 5 February 1942
: Redesignated: '''Fifth Air Force'''* on 18 September 1942.

Fifth Air Force is not to be confused with a second "Fifth" air force created as a temporary establishment to handle combat operations after the outbreak of hostilities on 25 June 1950, in Korea. This numbered air force was established as '''Fifth Air Force, Advance''', and organized at Itazuki AB, Japan, assigned to Fifth Air Force, on 14 July 1950. It moved to Taegu AB, South Korea, on 24 July 1950, and was redesignated '''Fifth Air Force in Korea''' at the same time. After moving, it apparently received command control from U.S. Far East Air Forces. The establishment operated from [[Pusan]], [[Taegu]], and [[Seoul]] before being discontinued on 1 December 1950.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

===Assignments===
* Philippine Department, U.S. Army, 20 September 1941
* US Forces in Australia (USFIA), 23 December 1941
: Redesignated:  US Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA), 5 January 1942
* [[American-British-Dutch-Australian Command]] (ABDACOM), 23 February 1942
* Allied Air Force, Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), 2 November 1942
* [[Far East Air Forces|Far East Air Forces (Provisional)]], 15 June 1944
* [[Far East Air Forces]], 3 August 1944
: Redesignated: Pacific Air Command, United States Army, 6 December 1945
: Redesignated: Far East Air Forces, 1 January 1947
: Redesignated [[Pacific Air Forces]], 1 July 1957—present

===Stations===
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Nichols Field]], [[Luzon]], 20 September 1941
* [[RAAF Base Darwin]], Australia, 31 December 1941
* Bandoeng, [[Java]], 18 January 1942
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080706134606/http://www.macarthurmuseumbrisbane.org/ Brisbane AAB], Australia,c 1 March 1942
* [[Lae Nadzab Airport|Nadzab Airfield]], [[New Guinea]], 15 June 1944
* [[Owi Airfield]], [[Schouten Islands]], [[Netherlands East Indies]], 10 August 1944
* [[Bayug Airfield]], [[Leyte]], Philippines, c. 20 November 1944
* [[San Jose Airport (Mindoro)|McGuire Field]], [[Mindoro]], Philippines, January 1945
* [[Clark Air Base|Clark Field]], [[Luzon]], Philippines, April 1945
* [[Motobu Airfield|Hamasaki (Motobu Airfield)]], [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], 4 August 1945
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Iruma Air Base|Irumagawa AB]], Japan, c. 25 September 1945
* Tokyo, Japan, 13 January 1946
* [[Nagoya]], Japan, 20 May 1946
* [[Seoul Air Base|Seoul AB (K-16)]], Korea, 1 December 1950
* [[Taegu|Taegu AB (K-2)]], Korea, 22 December 1950
* [[Seoul Air Base|Seoul AB (K-16)]], 15 June 1951
* [[Osan AB]], Korea, 25 January 1954
* [[Nagoya Airfield|Nagoya AB (later, Nagoya AS; Moriyama AS)]], Japan, 1 September 1954
* [[Fuchū, Tokyo|Fuchu AS]], Japan, 1 July 1957
* [[Yokota AB]], Japan, 11 November 1974–present
{{Col-end}}

===Major components===

'''Commands'''
* V Air Force Service: 18 June 1943 – 15 June 1944
* V Air Service Area: 9 January 1944 – 15 June 1944
* [[V Bomber Command|5 Bomber (later, V Bomber)]]: 14 November 1941 – 31 May 1946
* [[V Fighter Command|V Fighter]]: 25 August 1942 – 31 May 1946
* [[5th Interceptor Command|5 Interceptor]]: 4 November 1941 – 6 April 1942
: Became Army Air Force Infantry unit during [[Battle of the Philippines (1941–42)]] (20 December 1941 – 9 April 1942)
* Far East Air Service (later, 5 Air Force Base; V Air Force Base): 28 October 1941 – 2 November 1942

'''Divisions'''
* [[39th Air Division]]: 1 September 1954 – 15 January 1968
* [[41st Air Division]]: 1 September 1954 – 15 January 1968
* [[43d Air Division]]: 1 September 1954 – 1 October 1957
* [[313th Air Division]]: 1 March 1955 – 1 October 1991
* [[314th Air Division]]: 31 May 1946 – 1 March 1950; 1 December 1950 – 18 May 1951; 15 March 1955 – 8 September 1986
* [[315th Air Division|315 Air Division (formerly, 315 Composite Wing)]]: 1 June 1946 – 1 March 1950.

'''Wings''' (incomplete listing)
* [[8th Fighter Wing]], later 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1950s
* [[18th Wing]]: 1 Oct 1991-. 
* [[35th Fighter Wing]]: 1 Oct 1994-. 
* [[51st Fighter Wing]]: 1955-September 1986
* [[374th Airlift Wing]]: 1 Apr 1992-.
* [[432d Tactical Fighter Wing]], [[Misawa Air Base]], Japan: July 1, 1984 – May 31, 1991; 432d Fighter Wing from June 1, 1991 - October 31, 1994 (wing personnel and assets thereafter used to reactivate 35th Fighter Wing)
* 6100th Support Wing, [[Tachikawa Air Base]], Japan: "Brigadier General Thomas R. FORD Replaced Col. Lewis B. MENG as commander of 6100th Support Wing effective" 11 June 1962. "6100 Support Wing was Major Air Command control (MAJCON) unit directly subordinate to Headquarters (HQ) 5 Air Force. Contains.. functions of various subordinate elements of 6100 Support Wing (Kanto Base Command)."<ref>{{cite web|title=History Wing/6100/Support, 1-1-1962 - 6/30-1962 |url=http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/461/976.xml}}</ref>

'''Groups'''
*[[2nd Combat Cargo Group]]: October 1944-15 January 1946

== List of commanders ==
[[File:Lt. Gen. Rupp takes command of U.S. military in Japan 210827-F-VB704-2259.jpg|thumb|Incoming Fifth Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. [[Ricky Rupp]] receives the command guidon from Gen. [[Kenneth S. Wilsbach]], commander of the [[Pacific Air Forces]], on 26 August 2021.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!colspan=2|Commander
!colspan=3|Term
|-
!Portrait
!Name
!Took office
!Left office
!Term length
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 1
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = Henry B. Clagett.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Henry B. Clagett]]
| officeholder_sort = Clagett, Henry B.
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 20 September 1941
| term_end          = 7 October 1941
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|20 September 1941|7 October 1941}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 2
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = General Brereton.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Lewis H. Brereton]]
| officeholder_sort = Brereton, Lewis H.
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 7 October 1941
| term_end          = 24 February 1942
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|7 October 1941|24 February 1942}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 3
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt. Gen. George C. Kenney portrait.jpg
| officeholder      = [[George C. Kenney]]
| officeholder_sort = Kenney, George C.
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 3 September 1942
| term_end          = 15 June 1944
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 September 1942|15 June 1944}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 4
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Ennis Whitehead.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Ennis C. Whitehead]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 15 June 1944
| term_end          = 4 October 1945
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|15 June 1944|4 October 1945}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 5
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Lt Gen Kenneth B. Wolfe.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Kenneth B. Wolfe]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 4 October 1945
| term_end          = 16 January 1948
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|4 October 1945|16 January 1948}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 6
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Gen Thomas Dresser White.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Thomas D. White]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 16 January 1948
| term_end          = 6 October 1948
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|16 January 1948|6 October 1948}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 7
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Earle Everard Partridge.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Earle E. Partridge]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 6 October 1948
| term_end          = 21 May 1951
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|6 October 1948|21 May 1951}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 8
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Brig Gen Edward J. Timberlake.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Edward J. Timberlake]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 21 May 1951
| term_end          = 1 June 1951
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|21 May 1951|1 June 1951}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 9
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Frank F Everest.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Frank F. Everest]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 June 1951
| term_end          = 30 May 1952
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 June 1951|30 May 1952}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 10
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Glenn O. Barcus.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Glenn O. Barcus]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 30 May 1952
| term_end          = 31 May 1953
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|30 May 1952|31 May 1953}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 11
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Samuel E Anderson.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Samuel E. Anderson]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 31 May 1953
| term_end          = 1 June 1954
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|31 May 1953|1 June 1954}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 12
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Roger Ramey.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Roger M. Ramey]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 June 1954
| term_end          = 20 June 1956
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 June 1954|20 June 1956}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 13
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = GEN Smith, Frederic Harrison, Jr (VCSAF).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Frederic H. Smith Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 20 June 1956
| term_end          = 4 August 1958
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|20 June 1956|4 August 1958}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 14
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = LGEN Burns, Robert Whitney.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Robert Whitney Burns|Robert W. Burns]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 4 August 1958
| term_end          = 6 July 1961
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|4 August 1958|6 July 1961}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Major General
| image             = Portrait gray.png
| officeholder      = [[Robert F. Tate]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 6 July 1961
| term_end          = 2 August 1961
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|6 July 1961|2 August 1961}}
| acting            = y
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 15
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = GEN Smart, Jacob E.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Jacob E. Smart]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 2 August 1961
| term_end          = 30 July 1963
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2 August 1961|30 July 1963}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 16
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Preston Gen MA.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Maurice A. Preston]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 30 July 1963
| term_end          = 1 August 1966
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|30 July 1963|1 August 1966}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 17
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Seth J McKee.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Seth J. McKee]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 August 1966
| term_end          = 13 July 1968
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 August 1966|13 July 1968}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 18
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Thomas K. McGehee.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Thomas K. McGehee]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 13 July 1968
| term_end          = 24 February 1970
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|13 July 1968|24 February 1970}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 19
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Gordon M. Graham.JPG
| officeholder      = [[Gordon M. Graham]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 24 February 1970
| term_end          = 15 November 1972
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|24 February 1970|15 November 1972}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 20
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Pursley Robert E.JPG
| officeholder      = [[Robert E. Pursley]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 15 November 1972
| term_end          = 1 March 1974
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|15 November 1972|1 March 1974}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = [[Major general (United States)|Major General]]
| image             = Portrait gray.png
| officeholder      = [[Edward P. McNeff]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 March 1974
| term_end          = 8 May 1974
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 March 1974|8 May 1974}}
| acting            = y
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 21
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Galligan wt.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Walter T. Galligan]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 8 May 1974
| term_end          = 22 June 1977
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|8 May 1974|22 June 1977}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 22
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Loving gg.jpg
| officeholder      = [[George G. Loving Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 22 June 1977
| term_end          = 14 June 1979
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|22 June 1977|14 June 1979}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 23
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = General-William-Ginn.jpg
| officeholder      = [[William H. Ginn Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 14 June 1979
| term_end          = 5 August 1981
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|14 June 1979|5 August 1981}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 24
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Charles L Donnelly Jr.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Charles L. Donnelly Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 August 1981
| term_end          = 19 July 1984
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 August 1981|19 July 1984}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 25
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Edward L. Tixier.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Edward L. Tixier]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 19 July 1984
| term_end          = 22 January 1988
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|19 July 1984|22 January 1988}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 26
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = General James Burr Davis.JPEG
| officeholder      = [[James B. Davis (general)|James B. Davis]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 22 January 1988
| term_end          = 18 July 1991
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|22 January 1988|18 July 1991}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = Brig Gen James M. Johnston III.jpg
| officeholder      = [[James M. Johnston III]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 18 July 1991
| term_end          = 9 August 1991
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|18 July 1991|9 August 1991}}
| acting            = y
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 27
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Richard E Hawley.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Richard E. Hawley]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 9 August 1991
| term_end          = 13 November 1993
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|9 August 1991|13 November 1993}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 28
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Richard B. Myers.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Richard B. Myers]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 13 November 1993
| term_end          = 18 June 1996
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|13 November 1993|18 June 1996}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 29
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Ralph E. Eberhart.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Ralph E. Eberhart]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 18 June 1996
| term_end          = 27 June 1997
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|18 June 1996|27 June 1997}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 30
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen John B. Hall Jr.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John B. Hall Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 27 June 1997
| term_end          = 3 September 1999
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|27 June 1997|3 September 1999}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 31
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Paul V. Hester.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Paul V. Hester]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 3 September 1999
| term_end          = 19 November 2001
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 September 1999|19 November 2001}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 32
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Thomas C. Waskow.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Thomas C. Waskow]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 19 November 2001
| term_end          = 10 February 2005
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|19 November 2001|10 February 2005}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 33
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Bruce A. Wright.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Bruce A. Wright]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 10 February 2005
| term_end          = 25 February 2008
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|10 February 2005|25 February 2008}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 34
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = LTG Edward A. Rice, Jr., USAF.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Edward A. Rice Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 25 February 2008
| term_end          = October 2010
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|25 February 2008|1 October 2010}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 35
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Burton M. Field (3).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Burton M. Field]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = October 2010
| term_end          = 20 July 2012
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 October 2010|20 July 2012}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 36
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = LIEUTENANT GENERAL SALVATORE A. "SAM" ANGELELLA USAF.JPG
| officeholder      = [[Salvatore A. Angelella]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 20 July 2012
| term_end          = 5 June 2015
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|20 July 2012|5 June 2015}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 37
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN L. DOLAN.JPG
| officeholder      = [[John L. Dolan]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 June 2015
| term_end          = 6 October 2016
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 June 2015|6 October 2016}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 38
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = LIEUTENANT GENERAL JERRY P. MARTINEZ.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Jerry P. Martinez]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 6 October 2016
| term_end          = 5 February 2019
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|6 October 2016|5 February 2019}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 39
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Kevin B. Schneider]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 February 2019
| term_end          = 27 August 2021
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 February 2019|27 August 2021}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 40
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Ricky N. Rupp.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Ricky N. Rupp]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 27 August 2021
| term_end          = 8 October 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|27 August 2021|8 October 2024}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 41
| military_rank     = Lieutenant General
| image             = Lt Gen Stephen F. Jost (cropped).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Stephen F. Jost]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 8 October 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|8 October 2024}}
}}
|}

==See also==
* [[United States Army Air Forces in Australia]]

==References==
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-89201-092-4}}.
* Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947–1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-912799-12-9}}..
{{Reflist|2}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* Bartsch, William H. ''Doomed at the Start: American Pursuit Pilots in the Philippines, 1941–1942''. Reveille Books, 1995.  {{ISBN|0-89096-679-6}}.
* Birdsall, Steve. ''Flying Buccaneers: The Illustrated History of Kenney's Fifth Air Force''. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1977. {{ISBN|0-385-03218-8}}.
* Craven, Wesley F. and James L. Cate. ''The Army Air Forces in World War II''. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1948–58.
* Holmes, Tony. ''"Twelve to One": V Fighter Command Aces of the Pacific''. Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|1-84176-784-0}}.
* Rust, Kenn C. ''Fifth Air Force Story...in World War II''. Temple City, California: Historical Aviation Album, 1973. {{ISBN|0-911852-75-1}}.
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Fifth Air Force}}
* [https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433091/fifth-air-force-pacaf/ Fifth Air Force Factsheet]
* [https://www.5thaf.org/22nd-bomb-group.cfm Red Raiders—22nd Bomb Group, 5th Air Force, WW II]
* [http://www.sunsetters38bg.com/ 38th Bomb Group Association]
* [http://www.kensmen.com/ 43rd Bomb Group Association: Ken's Men]
* The [http://findingaids.cjh.org/?pID=476124 Julius Schellenberg Collection] at the [[Leo Baeck Institute]], [[New York (state)|New York]] includes the diary of 5th Air Force sergeant Julius Schellenberg from February – December 1942 and a photograph of the 5th Air Force in 1942.

{{US Air Force navbox}}
{{USAF Pacific Air Forces}}
{{USAAF 5th Air Force World War II}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord missing|Japan}}

[[Category:Numbered air forces of the United States Air Force|05]]
[[Category:Air Forces of the United States Army Air Forces|05]]
[[Category:United States Air Force units and formations in the Korean War]]
[[Category:United States military in Japan]]
[[Category:World War II aerial operations and battles of the Pacific theatre]]