In the center of Japan, just outside Tokyo, lies Yokota AB, home of the 374th Airlift Wing and the 36th Airlift Squadron--the only forward-based tactical airlift squadron in the Pacific. The wing maintains C-130 mission-ready aircrews to conduct tactical and theater airlift, special operations, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, repatriation, and humanitarian-relief missions across the Pacific. In addition, the 374th has C-12s and UH-1s for operational-support airlift and serves as the key airlift hub for the Western Pacific, supporting multiple downrange locations in both peacetime operations and contingencies.

Kadena AB, in Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu Islands, is strategically located for all of the potential major contingency scenarios in the Pacific theater. Kadena hosts the 18th Wing, the largest combat wing in the USAF. With F-15 fighters, KC-135 refuelers, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 18th provides unmatched combat presence and capability in the Western Pacific. This strong USAF presence in Japan gives the United States critical access throughout the region and provides operating locations that we can quickly reinforce should the need arise.

In the north, Misawa AB is home to the 35th Fighter Wing, with two squadrons equipped with the most modern Block 50 F-16 variant and dedicated to the suppression of enemy air defenses. Misawa is the only bilateral, joint-service base in the Western Pacific, sharing space with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 3d Air Wing and Northern Air Defense Command, as well as the US Navy's Information Operations Command.