5AF gains commander
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, U.S. Forces Japan commander and outgoing 5th Air Force commander, relinquishes the guidon to Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, Pacific Air Forces deputy commander, during the 5AF change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 24, 2026. The separation of 5AF will strengthen the command-and-control framework to enable seamless coordination of operations and capabilities, allowing for greater interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kayla Karelas)