USFJ News

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USFJ USAF enlisted leaders perform new fitness assessment
March 24, 2026 — U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Damian, U.S. Forces Japan command senior enlisted leader, and other SELs completed diagnostic tests using the new USAF Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment, laying the groundwork for countless Airmen soon to follow... MORE

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeants Cole Reinbold (left), 36th Airlift Squadron SEL, and Carlos Damian, U.S. Forces Japan command senior enlisted leader, perform a two-mile run during a diagnostic physical fitness readiness assessment at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2026.

USFJ, 5 AF separate leadership roles during change of command ceremony
March 24, 2026 — In a historic change of command ceremony, the U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force dual-commander position was separated at Yokota Air Base, Mar. 24, 2026. While remaining in command of USFJ, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost relinquished command of 5 AF to USAF Lt. Gen. Joel Carey. Formerly U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s chief of staff, Carey’s promotion to the rank of lieutenant general was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Jan. 30, 2026 after his nomination by President Donald Trump. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Joel Carey, 5th Air Force incoming commander, Lt Gen Stephen Jost, outgoing commander, and Lt Gen Laura Lenderman, Pacific Air Forces deputy commander, render a salute during the national anthem during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 24, 2026. 5 AF's commander separation is designed to enable more flexible joint and bilateral operations with the JASDF. This shift to a more distributed and resilient posture will enhance the alliance's ability to deter threats and respond to crises together. (U.S. Marine photo by Sgt. Mitchell Johnson)

Historic HIMARS training exercise in Japan
November 16, 2025 — Well before the sunlight kissed the slopes of Mount Fuji, U.S. Marines prepared to make history with a display of lethality. A highly anticipated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire exercise at the Combined Arms Training Center marked a turning point in U.S. defense Oct. 27, two weeks before the Marine Corps’ Birthday... MORE

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division execute a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System live-fire mission at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. HIMARS training at Camp Fuji offers unique advantages, including realistic training terrain, adequate range capacity, and specialized infrastructure necessary to safely and effectively support HIMARS operations. This training represents a significant advancement of Camp Fuji’s capability to support long-range fires and reflects our commitment to maintaining readiness and maximizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)

Town hall reinforces USFJ's commitment to support personnel
November 13, 2025 — U.S. Forces Japan leadership held a town hall for augmentees supporting the command's deliberate, multi-year transformation at Yokota Air Base, Oct. 3, 2025... MORE

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adam Lowmaster, U.S. Forces Japan chief of staff speaks to augmentees and directors supporting the command's deliberate, multi-year transformation during a town hall at Yokota Air Base, Oct. 3, 2025. The town hall meeting underscores USFJ's commitment to its personnel and its strategic vision for the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)

USFJ hosts HR symposium, focus on upgrade
September 25, 2025 — The United States Forces Japan J1 Directorate hosted a theater human resource symposium bringing together U.S. military personnel management leaders from Japan and Hawaii to address key challenges and support USFJ's ongoing transformation at Yokota Air Base, Sept. 16, 2025... MORE

U.S. Military human resources personnel stationed in Japan and Hawaii pose for a group photo in front of the U.S. Forces Japan headquarters building during a theater human resource symposium hosted by the USFJ J1 staff on Yokota Air Base, Sept. 16, 2025. The transition of USFJ to a Joint Force Headquarters will upgrade respective command and control frameworks to enable seamless integration of operations and capabilities between U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)