Jungle Air Force Det 1 furls its flag

  • Published
  • By Osakabe Yasuo
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Six years after its activation, the 13th Air Force Detachment 1 here furled and cased its flag, and became part of Headquarters 5th Air Force during an inactivation ceremony, Sept. 26, 2012 at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The detachment's inactivation is part of the Air Force's efforts to reduce duplication, gain efficiency, and boost operational effectiveness. In Hawaii, Headquarters 13th Air Force is also inactivating, and its operational roles and responsibilities will be assumed by Pacific Air Forces to streamline command and control. The transition results in no loss of commitment or capability in the Pacific.

"The pro's in the detachment worked hard during this period to represent the operational arm of Pacific Air Forces--13th AF--working operational- and tactical-level intelligence, operations, plans, logistics and communications issues and initiatives designed to strengthen our alliance," said Col. Marc Reese, 13th AF Det 1 commander.

The 13th AF Det 1 began its legacy when it activated Jan. 5, 2007 as 13th Air Force's representation in Japan. Its mission included working closely with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Forces Japan personnel to coordinate air operations within the Japan air defense region. The detachment maintained the command and control link between USFJ and 13th AF during contingencies and crises in Japan.

"For example, the Det 1 led exercises such as Keen Sword 2011, which was the largest joint flying training exercise ever held in Japan with 44,000 personnel, more than 400 aircraft, and 60 ships involved," said the colonel. "Also, during Operation Tomodachi, we spearheaded the U.S. Air Force response in the first critical hours, providing the core of command and control for the air component. Those efforts helped coordinate 183 humanitarian assistance missions and 5.5 million short tons of supplies."

The consolidation of Det 1 personnel into 5th Air Force is expected to streamline cooperation between 5th Air Force and the Japan Self Defense Forces, ultimately leading to increased interoperability and efficiency.