5th AIR FORCE HISTORY

 5th Air Force Japanese Ink Image 5th Air Force, with headquarters at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is the U.S. Air Force's oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force. The organization has provided more than 75 years of continuous air power to the Pacific since its establishment in September 1941.

5th Air Force's impressive warfighting history led to its nickname as the Fighting Fifth, but its enduring presence today is intended to deter aggression and maintain regional stability.

The 15,000 Airmen and Air Force civilians assigned to 5th Air Force and its three main bases partner with Joint services and counterparts from the Japan Self-Defense Forces to defend Japan, respond to regional contingencies, and enhance the half-century-old U.S.-Japan Security Alliance.

Together, 5th Air Force and its Japanese allies are maintaining a clear and visible presence and ensuring a stable and secure environment in the Asia-Pacific region.    

5th AIR FORCE EMBLEM

5 AF Shield Blazon
Azure, the constellation of the Southern Cross consisting of five mullets Argent, between a comet, the head a hurt charged with a mullet charged with a torteau encompassed with a flaming trail arced to sinister three streamers of the third, the Arabic number " 5" Or; all within an annulet of the like, all within a diminished bordure of the last. Attached below the disc a White scroll edged with a narrow Yellow border and inscribed "FIFTH AIR FORCE" in Blue letters.

Significance
Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations.  Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel.  The small stars suggest the constellation, Southern Cross, and also reflect the unit's heritage of World War II campaigns in the South Pacific islands.  The Air Force star insignia on a comet with three tails represents the aircraft markings of the unit and denotes three primary missions: bomb, fighter, and airlift.  The numeral "5" reflects the unit's numerical designation.

MISSION AND VISION

5th Air Force Mission
Fifth Air Force supports the Defense of Japan, advances U.S. interests, and promotes broader Asia-Pacific security and stability by advancing bilateral air, space and cyberspace operations and interoperability, enabling USAF forces and capabilities in Japan, and rapidly responding to crises. 

5th Air Force Vision
An enduring bilateral partnership, advancing our interoperable air, space and cyberspace capabilities, that maintains stability, deters and when necessary, defeats aggression, while postured to provide adaptive command and control in a rapidly evolving and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

5AF Fact SHeet

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