USFJ News

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USFJ hosts bilateral law enforcement symposium
May 1, 2026 — The U.S. Forces Japan Protection Directorate hosted a bilateral law enforcement symposium April 20-22, 2026, at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The annual event brought together U.S. military personnel and host-nation partner agencies to address key security challenges and support USFJ's ongoing transformation... MORE

Attendees pose for a group photo at the U.S. Forces Japan Law Enforcement Symposium April 22, 2026, at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

Constant readiness: USFJ hones typhoon response
April 27, 2026 — In the world's most active typhoon region, readiness is a constant state. For U.S. Forces Japan, sharpening that readiness is the mission of Typhoon Ready, an annual command post exercise designed to test and refine the command’s response to severe weather threats. Long before any real storm makes landfall, personnel rehearse the critical actions needed to protect lives and vital military assets... MORE

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Gregory Byias, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), signals a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to takeoff in the Pacific Ocean, April 18, 2026.

Freedom Shield 26: USFK performs simulated NEO at Yokota
April 14, 2026 — U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Forces Japan personnel practiced a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation during exercise Freedom Shield 26 (FS26) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2026... MORE

Simulated evacuees assigned to U.S. Forces Korea conduct in-processing during a simulated Non-combatant Evacuation Operation during exercise Freedom Shield 26 (FS26) at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 10, 2026.

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)