Yokota Air Base

1940

Tama Army Airfield opens

The Imperial Japanese Army opened the base in March 1940, called Tama Army Airfield (also referred to locally as Fussa Army Airfield). Its missions were test flying newly designed Army aircraft and training Army Air Force maintenance personnel.

1945

American forces take control

On Sept. 4, 1945, American forces arrived and took charge of weapons and base security; on Sept. 6, 1945, the base was turned over to American Occupation Forces and became an air cargo installation.

1950

Korean War combat operations from Yokota

From 1950 to 1953, Headquarters Far East Air Forces Bomber Command and the 98th Bomb Wing flew combat operations over Korea from Yokota AB.

1974

Fifth Air Force headquarters moves to Yokota

In 1974, Fifth Air Force headquarters moved from Fuchu Air Station to Yokota AB. Under the 1970-1974 Kanto Plain Consolidation Program the base became the Pacific hub for strategic airlift.

1989

374th Tactical Airlift Wing transfers to Yokota

The 374th Tactical Airlift Wing transferred from Clark Air Base, Philippines, to Yokota AB in October 1989.

1992

374th Airlift Wing becomes host wing

On April 1, 1992, the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing was redesignated the 374th Airlift Wing, transferred from Air Mobility Command to Pacific Air Forces, and became the host unit at Yokota AB.

2003

C-9 Nightingale aeromedical mission ends

On Sept. 12, 2003, the C-9 Nightingale aeromedical evacuation mission ended; the 30th Airlift Squadron was inactivated Sept. 24, 2003, and the 374th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron moved to Kadena Air Base.

2011

Operation Tomodachi / Great East Japan earthquake response

Following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan, Yokota served as the logistical center for USAF relief operations, launching more than 370 sorties.