DECEMBER 4, 2024 — The United States Space Force officially activated its first unit in Japan today, according to reporting by UPI.
The unit’s inauguration ceremony, held Wednesday at Yokota Air Base, coincided with the unveiling of its unit flag.
According to the Mainichi Shimbun, approximately 300 attendees, including representatives from the U.S. military, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, and other organizations, gathered for the event.
Colonel Ryan Larton, the newly appointed commander of U.S. Space Force Japan, emphasized the unit’s mission to enhance allied capabilities, stating, “Our small and dedicated team looks forward to strengthening the alliance through space-related exchanges and bringing more space capabilities and effectiveness to the solution.”
The unit, consisting of a 10-person staff, will operate under U.S. Forces Japan at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo. Their mission will focus on expanding space-based capabilities and bolstering deterrence against adversarial aggression.
“It cannot be understated, our space capabilities will help deter adversary aggression and help protect allied forces,” Col. Larton said.
Japan is the second Asia-Pacific country to host a U.S. Space Force presence, following the activation of a unit in South Korea in 2022.
Image: UPI