The Pentagon formally split the combined U.S. Forces Japan and the Fifth Air Force into separate commands, ending a dual-hatted arrangement that had been in place for more than 60 years. The separation means that the former combined commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, ...
Lt. Gen. Stephen F. Jost
The Senate confirmed Gen. John D. Lamontagne to be Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force by voice vote late Jan. 30, along five other Air Force three-stars and a new commander for U.S. Southern Command.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Jan. 15 as the two nations look to further solidify their ties in the face of growing Chinese and North Korean threats.