5th Air Force Hosts JAAGA, Strengthening Cooperation in U.S.-Japan Joint Operations

Japan: The 5th Air Force hosted 36 members of the Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA) during their visit to Yokota Air Base on November 5, 2026. The visit aimed to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between U.S. Air Force personnel and members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The delegation included retired Lt. Gen. Shigeki Muto, JAAGA vice president and former commander of the JASDF Air Defense Command, as well as other retired senior military officers and representatives from Japan’s defense industry.

Lt. Gen. Hidetada Inatsuki, the current commander of the Air Defense Command, and Col. Nathan Colunga, deputy commander of the 5th Air Force, also took part in the meeting. In addition, 18 other senior commissioned and noncommissioned officers from the JASDF and the 5th Air Force attended the event. During the visit, senior officials from the 5th Air Force and the JASDF discussed the U.S.-Japan alliance, bilateral cooperation, and the importance of relationships with local communities in supporting military missions. The program also provided JAAGA members with an opportunity to meet U.S. Air Force personnel directly and learn more about Yokota Air Base’s role in supporting regional operations.

Expressing his gratitude for JAAGA members’ participation in the event, Col. Colunga said, “If I have learned one thing during my short time with the 5th Air Force, it is that there is an extraordinary partnership here. Today is an opportunity for us to come together and get to know each other a little better.” Established in 1996, JAAGA has significant representation from retired JASDF personnel. The organization promotes friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between the U.S. and Japanese air forces. It also honors U.S. and Japanese personnel whose contributions help strengthen bilateral cooperation. In addition, the organization supports professional, cultural, and community exchanges.

Muto said, “We are very grateful for the opportunity to visit the Air Defense Command and 5th Air Force headquarters today. The strong relationship between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force, particularly here in Yokota, is a very important part of the U.S.-Japan alliance. This alliance plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.” It is worth noting that Koku-Jieitai is the shortened form of the official Japanese name for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. During discussions throughout the day, military officials emphasized that the U.S.-Japan alliance is not limited to occasional meetings but is reflected in day-to-day military operations and activities. They also discussed cooperation between the two countries’ headquarters, operational planning, training, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local communities as U.S. and Japanese forces expand their bilateral activities.