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By March 1942, the [[United States Department of War|War Department]] planned to have 165 [[heavy bomber]]s in the Philippines and, at least, 240 [[fighter plane|fighters]]. The [[7th Bomb Wing|7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)]] was en route when the [[Japan]]ese invasion began. The [[27th Fighter Wing|27th Bombardment Group (Light)]]'s pilots and ground crews had arrived in November, but the unit's [[A-24 Banshee|A-24]]s remained in [[Hawaii]].
By March 1942, the [[United States Department of War|War Department]] planned to have 165 [[heavy bomber]]s in the Philippines and, at least, 240 [[fighter plane|fighters]]. The [[7th Bomb Wing|7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)]] was en route when the [[Japan]]ese invasion began. The [[27th Fighter Wing|27th Bombardment Group (Light)]]'s pilots and ground crews had arrived in November, but the unit's [[A-24 Banshee|A-24]]s remained in [[Hawaii]].


[[George C. Marshall|Army Chief of Staff General Marshall]] wrote on [[December 1]], [[1941]], "We must get every B-17 to the Philippines as soon as possible."
[[George C. Marshall|Army Chief of Staff General Marshall]] wrote on [[December 1]], [[1941]], "We must get every B-17 to the Philippines as soon as possible." The islands were served by one air warning service company of ~200 troops. The 557th Air Warning Battalion arrived in [[San Francisco]], en route, on [[December 6]]. In lieu of working equipment and adequate personnel, USAFFE had organized a warning service consisting of watchers who would report plane movements by telephone (or [[Telegraphy|telegraph]]) to the [[U.S. 5th Interceptor Command|5th Interceptor Command]].

The islands were served by one air warning service company of ~200 troops. The 557th Air Warning Battalion arrived in [[San Francisco]], en route, on [[December 6]].

In lieu of working equipment and adequate personnel, USAFFE had organized a warning service consisting of watchers who would report plane movements by telephone (or [[Telegraphy|telegraph]]) to the [[U.S. 5th Interceptor Command|5th Interceptor Command]].


Immediately after the outbreak of the [[Pacific War]] in December, Brereton sought permission from theater commander Gen [[Douglas MacArthur]] to conduct air raids against [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] forces in [[Formosa]], but was refused. As a consequence, FEAF was largely destroyed on the ground by Japanese air attacks. By the time of the Japanese invasion, the force possessed seven [[radar]] sets, but, only two were in operation. There were plans, for 1942, to build three detector stations and an information center. The two working sets were at [[Iba, Zambales|Iba]] and outside [[Manila]].
Immediately after the outbreak of the [[Pacific War]] in December, Brereton sought permission from theater commander Gen [[Douglas MacArthur]] to conduct air raids against [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] forces in [[Formosa]], but was refused. As a consequence, FEAF was largely destroyed on the ground by Japanese air attacks. By the time of the Japanese invasion, the force possessed seven [[radar]] sets, but, only two were in operation. There were plans, for 1942, to build three detector stations and an information center. The two working sets were at [[Iba, Zambales|Iba]] and outside [[Manila]].


Following the [[Battle of the Philippines (1941–42)|Japanese invasion of the Philippines]], the remnants of FEAF relocated southwards to bases in the [[Dutch East Indies]]. After those islands also fell to Japanese forces early in 1942, FEAF headquarters moved to [[Australia]].
Following the [[Battle of the Philippines (1941–42)|Japanese invasion of the Philippines]], the remnants of FEAF relocated southwards to bases in the [[Dutch East Indies]]. After those islands also fell to Japanese forces early in 1942, FEAF headquarters moved to [[Australia]]. From Australia, FEAF played a small part in the [[Battle of the Coral Sea]] (7-8 May 1942).


The Far East Air Force was redesignated the Fifth Air Force at [[Brisbane]], Australia on [[18 September]] [[1942]] and placed under the command of Major General [[George Kenney]]. [[United States Army Air Forces]] units in Australia, including Fifth Air Force, were eventually reinforced and re-organised following their initial defeats in the Philippines and the East Indies.
The Far East Air Force was redesignated the Fifth Air Force at [[Brisbane]], Australia on [[18 September]] [[1942]] and placed under the command of Major General [[George Kenney]]. [[United States Army Air Forces]] units in Australia, including Fifth Air Force, were eventually reinforced and re-organised following their initial defeats in the Philippines and the East Indies. At the time that Kenney had arrived, there were three fighter groups and 5 bombardments groups.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
Fighter Groups:
* [[8th Fighter Wing|8th FG]] (P-39) in Australia
* [[49th Fighter Wing|49th FG]] (P-40) in Australia
* [[35th Fighter Wing|35th FG]] (P-40) in Port Moresby
{{col-break}}
Bomber Groups:
* [[3rd Wing|3rd BG]] (B-25, A-20, & A-24)
* [[19th Air Refueling Wing|19th BG]] (Non-Operational. Battle scarred from Philippines & Java)
* [[22d Air Refueling Wing|22nd BG]] (B-26)
* 43rd BG (Not Equipped)
* 38th BG (B-25, Not operational)
{{col-end}}
In addition, Fifth Air Force controlled two transport squadrons and one photographic squadron comprising 1,602 officers and 18,116 men.


Kenney was later appointed commander of Allied air forces in the [[South West Pacific Area]], reporting directly to [[General Douglas MacArthur]]. Under Kenney's leadership, the Fifth Air Force and [[Royal Australian Air Force]] provided the aerial spearhead for MacArthur's island hopping campaign.
Kenney was later appointed commander of Allied air forces in the [[South West Pacific Area]], reporting directly to [[General Douglas MacArthur]]. Under Kenney's leadership, the Fifth Air Force and [[Royal Australian Air Force]] provided the aerial spearhead for MacArthur's island hopping campaign. On 4 November 1942, the 5th Air Force commenced sustained action against the Japanese in [[Papua New Guinea]].


The [[United States Far East Air Forces]] (FEAF) was re-formed on [[August 3]], [[1944]], uniting the Fifth and [[Thirteenth Air Force]]s.
The [[United States Far East Air Forces]] (FEAF) was re-formed on [[August 3]], [[1944]], uniting the Fifth and [[Thirteenth Air Force]]s.

Revision as of 09:05, 1 September 2007

5th Air Force
5th Air Force
Active1942
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
Part ofPacific Air Forces
Garrison/HQYokota Air Base
Commanders
Current
commander		Lieutenant General Bruce A. Wright

Fifth Air Force is a United States Air Force Numbered Air Force in Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It was formed during World War II at Brisbane, Australia, on 18 September 1942.

Fifth Air Force's mission is threefold:

  • air operations in accordance with tasks assigned by the PACAF Commander
  • maintaining readiness for other operations.
  • defense of Japan and joint air operations with the Japanese Self-Defense Force.


Units

Lineage

In addition, Fifth Air Force is not to be confused with a second "Fifth" air force created as a temporary establishment to handle combat operations after the outbreak of hostilities on June 25, 1950, in Korea. This numbered air force was established as Fifth Air Force, Advance, and organized at Itazuki AB, Japan, assigned to Fifth Air Force, on July 14, 1950. It moved to Taegu AB, South Korea, on July 24, 1950, and was redesignated Fifth Air Force in Korea at the same time. After moving, it apparently received command control from U.S. Far East Air Forces. The establishment operated from Pusan, Taegu, and Seoul before being discontinued on December 1, 1950.

History

Fifth Air Force is one of very few numbered air forces of the United States Air Force never to have been based in the United States itself. It is also one of the oldest and continuously active US air forces.

World War II

Fifth Air Force traces its roots to the Philippines in the 1940s, U.S. military aviation made its first presence in the region there in March 1912. Starting with a flight training school near Manila, its presence grew to the establishment of several aero squadrons over the next thirty years.

In 1941, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) possessed 210 aircraft, including 31 P-40Bs. The rest were P-26s, P-35s, B-10s, B-18s, A-29s, C-39s, and various observation planes. This force was considered to be largely obsolescent. The Force Headquarters was located at Nielson Field, however, the majority of the planes were at either Clark Field or Nichols Field.

In July 1941, Chief of the Army Air Forces, Major General Henry H. Arnold, proposed sending four heavy bombardment groups (340 aircraft) and two pursuit squadrons (260 aircraft) to the Philippines, as reinforcements for the Philippine Army Air Corps. By October 2, 81 P-40s had been shipped to the islands, along with the 14th Bombardment Squadron of the 19th Bombardment Group (H). The rest of the 19 BG(H) arrived in November, for a total of 35 B-17 Flying Fortresss.

Then, in September 1941, the Philippine Department Air Force was created. The command was redesignated as Far East Air Force (FEAF) on 28 October 1941 under Major General Lewis H. Brereton. It was under this name in which Fifth Air Force saw its first combat action.

By March 1942, the War Department planned to have 165 heavy bombers in the Philippines and, at least, 240 fighters. The 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was en route when the Japanese invasion began. The 27th Bombardment Group (Light)'s pilots and ground crews had arrived in November, but the unit's A-24s remained in Hawaii.

Army Chief of Staff General Marshall wrote on December 1, 1941, "We must get every B-17 to the Philippines as soon as possible." The islands were served by one air warning service company of ~200 troops. The 557th Air Warning Battalion arrived in San Francisco, en route, on December 6. In lieu of working equipment and adequate personnel, USAFFE had organized a warning service consisting of watchers who would report plane movements by telephone (or telegraph) to the 5th Interceptor Command.

Immediately after the outbreak of the Pacific War in December, Brereton sought permission from theater commander Gen Douglas MacArthur to conduct air raids against Japanese forces in Formosa, but was refused. As a consequence, FEAF was largely destroyed on the ground by Japanese air attacks. By the time of the Japanese invasion, the force possessed seven radar sets, but, only two were in operation. There were plans, for 1942, to build three detector stations and an information center. The two working sets were at Iba and outside Manila.

Following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the remnants of FEAF relocated southwards to bases in the Dutch East Indies. After those islands also fell to Japanese forces early in 1942, FEAF headquarters moved to Australia. From Australia, FEAF played a small part in the Battle of the Coral Sea (7-8 May 1942).

The Far East Air Force was redesignated the Fifth Air Force at Brisbane, Australia on 18 September 1942 and placed under the command of Major General George Kenney. United States Army Air Forces units in Australia, including Fifth Air Force, were eventually reinforced and re-organised following their initial defeats in the Philippines and the East Indies. At the time that Kenney had arrived, there were three fighter groups and 5 bombardments groups.

In addition, Fifth Air Force controlled two transport squadrons and one photographic squadron comprising 1,602 officers and 18,116 men.

Kenney was later appointed commander of Allied air forces in the South West Pacific Area, reporting directly to General Douglas MacArthur. Under Kenney's leadership, the Fifth Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force provided the aerial spearhead for MacArthur's island hopping campaign. On 4 November 1942, the 5th Air Force commenced sustained action against the Japanese in Papua New Guinea.

The United States Far East Air Forces (FEAF) was re-formed on August 3, 1944, uniting the Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces.

When the war ended, Fifth Air Force had an unmatched record of 3,445 aerial victories, led by the nation's two top fighter aces Major Richard Bong and Major Thomas McGuire, with 40 and 38 confirmed victories respectively, and two of Fifth Air Force's ten Medal of Honor recipients.

Shortly after World War II ended in August, Fifth Air Force relocated to Irumagawa Air Base, Japan, about September 25, 1945 as part of the Allied occupation forces. The command remained in Japan until December 1, 1950 performing occupation duties.

Korean War

In 1950, Fifth air force was called upon again, becoming the main United Nations combat air command during the Korean War, and was instrumental in bringing about the cease-fire that formally ended that conflict in 1953.

In the early morning hours of June 25, North Korea launched a sudden, all-out attack against the south. Reacting quickly to the invasion, Fifth Air Force units provided air cover over the skies of Seoul. The command transferred to Seoul on December 1, 1950, remaining in South Korea until September 1, 1954.

In this first Jet War, Fifth Air Force racked up an unprecedented 14.5 to 1 victory ratio. By the time the truce was signed in 1953, fifth air force had flown over 625,000 missions, downing 953 North Korean and Chinese aircraft, while close air support accounted for 47 percent of all enemy troop casualties.

Thirty-eight fighter pilots were identified as aces, including Lieutenant Colonel James Jabara, America's first jet ace; and Captain Joseph McConnell, the leading Korean War ace with 16 confirmed victories. Additionally, four Medals of Honor were awarded to Fifth Air Force members. One other pilot of note was Marine Major John Glenn, who flew for Fifth Air Force as part of an exchange program.

With the end of combat in Korea, Fifth Air Force returned to Japan in 1954.

Cold War

Not only concerned with maintaining a strong tactical posture for the defense of both Japan and South Korea, Fifth Air Force played a critical role in helping the establishment of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force as well as the Republic of Korea Air Force. These and other peacetime efforts lasted a decade before war clouds once again developed in the Pacific.

This time, the area of concern was Southeast Asia, beginning in 1964 with the Gulf of Tonkin Crisis. Fifth air force furnished aircraft, Aircrews, Support personnel, and supplies throughout the eight years of combat operations in South Vietnam and Laos.

Since 1972, the Pacific Region has seen relative calm, thanks in large part to the deterrent role Fifth Air Force has played in this part of the world. But that doesn't mean Fifth Air Force hasn't been active in other roles. The command has played active or supporting roles in a variety of issues ranging from being first on the scene at the Korean Air Lines Flight 007 shoot down in 1983 to deploying personnel and supplies for the Persian Gulf War in 1990.

During this time span, the size of Fifth Air Force changed as well. With the activation of Seventh Air Force in 1986, fifth left the Korean Peninsula and focused its energy on continuing the growing bilateral relationship with Japan.

Post Cold War

The Fifth Air Force's efforts also go beyond combat operations. Fifth Air force has reacted to natural disasters in Japan and abroad. These efforts include the Kobe earthquake in 1995 and Super Typhoon Paka which hit Guam in 1997. Fifth Air Force has reached out to provide assistance to victims of floods, Typhoons, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes throughout the region.

Reference Section

Fifth Air Force Units During World War II

Template:Entête tableau charte

! FIGHTER GROUPS ! NIGHT FIGHTER GROUP ! BOMB GROUPS ! RECCE AND PHOTO GROUPS ! TRANSPORT GROUPS |-

| 35 FG, P-47, P-51 | 418 NFS | 3 BG, B-25,A-20 | 6 RG, F-5, F-7 | 374 TCG |-Template:Ligne grise

| 49 FG, P-40, P-47, P-38 | 421 NFS | 417 BG, A-20 | 71 RS, B-25 | 317 TCG |-

| 8 FG, P-40, P-38 | 547 NFS | 43 BG, B-24 | | 375 TCG |-Template:Ligne grise

| 348 FG, P-47, P-51 | | 38 BG, B-25 | | 433 TCG |-

| 475 FG, P-38 | | 22 BG, B-26, B-24 | | 2 CCG |-Template:Ligne grise

| | | 90 BG, B-24 | | |-

| | | 380 BG, B-24 | | |-Template:Ligne grise

| | | 345 BG, B-25 | | |-

| | | 312 BG, A-20 | | |-Template:Ligne grise

|- |}

FEAF Airfields (1941)

Within 130 km of Manila, there were six airfields. Outside of Luzon, there were another six airfields. Clark Field was the only one that could support heavy bombers, until the December completion of Del Monte Field. Another bomber base was scheduled for construction, in the Visayas.

In August 1941, $10,000,000 was spent to improve the airfields. Most of these funds were spent on Nichols and Clark Fields, with the rest spent mostly on auxiliary fields at Iba, on the Zambales coast, to the west of Clark, and various points on northern Luzon.

FEAF Aircraft (December 1941)

The number in () indicate the number of aircraft that were usable. Where un-noted, the number of usable aircraft is unknown.

There were additional aircraft attached to the Philippine Army Air Corps.

FEAF Units And Personnel (December 8, 1941)

As of November 31, the force contained 4,940 enlisted troops, under the command of 669 officers. The August strength was at 2,049 enlisted troops, under the command of 254 officers.

The numbers in brackets indicate the number of personnel, as of November 31.

See also

References

This article includes content from Fifth Air Force Website history page.

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