YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan –
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.
“Today marks a deliberate and forward-looking evolution in our command structure,” said Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, U.S. Pacific Air Forces deputy commander. “We are sharpening our focus with dedicated leadership to confront the unique and complex challenges within each of these commands’ authorities. We thank Lt. Gen. Jost for his continued leadership of USFJ and have the utmost confidence in Lt. Gen. Carey as the right leader for 5 AF to enhance our warfighting readiness and ensure we remain the most formidable Air Force in the world."
USFJ and 5 AF have shared leadership by the same general officer since the creation of USFJ in 1957. Historically, the ‘dual-hatted’ position was responsible for managing bilateral security issues, overseeing joint and bilateral exercises, administering the Status of Forces Agreement and improving combat readiness while also operating as the Air Component Commander for the defense of Japan - a full-time job focused on employing airpower in a highly contested environment under the Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control construct. The change of command with dedicated commanders for each organization will optimize coordination, concentration of effort, and strengthen interoperability of forces.
"I am honored and look forward to leading the dedicated Airmen of 5 AF as we enhance readiness, training, and modernization of capabilities across Japan," said Carey. “We will continue this important work of strengthening air power capabilities alongside our partners in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) to deter aggression in the broader Pacific.”
Carey will oversee about 15,000 Airmen and Department of War civilians across the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, and the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in his new role.
The change of command took place amidst the ongoing transformation of USFJ into a warfighting Joint Force Headquarters as that command shifts toward a direct leadership role in organizing and conducting U.S. forces in both peacetime and potential crises.
"The transformation of USFJ into a warfighting headquarters enables a more agile and lethal joint force,” said Jost. "Along with today’s change of command with dedicated leaders for both USFJ and 5 AF, we are bolstering our collective ability to protect security, prosperity, and freedom - ultimately embodying peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific."