US Forces Japan officials say that news articles claiming that Yokota AB, Japan, will give up control of some airspace to aid Japan’s growing commercial aviation industry are premature, reports Stars and Stripes. US and Japanese are in negotiation over a range of transformation issues, ceding back additional airspace is just one factor. A USFK spokeswoman told Stars and Stripes that Yokota had adjusted its airspace five times since 1972 to accommodate increased civilian activity.
Airmen from the California Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves brushed up on their aerial firefighting skills late last month in preparation for the 2024 wildfire season, which could see fires break out across North America.