Five U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron and one U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR152) were used to carry approximately 180 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade paratroopers and CDS bundles to drop zone at JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area during Airborne 26, March 2–4, 2026. The Marine Corps aircraft’s participation marked the first time a U.S. Marine Corps platform supported the event. The aircraft operated from Yokota and conducted airdrop operations over the JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. On March 2, six aircraft inserted approximately 180 JGSDF paratroopers and delivered 20 Container...
U.S. Air Force wings based in Japan are synchronized to participate in BEVERLY MIDNIGHT 2026 (BM26), Mar. 9 - 19, 2026.
BM26 is a USAF-led proof-of-concept operational exercise designed to enhance the interoperability, command and control, and readiness of 5 AF headquarters and its wings (35 FW, 374 AW, 18 WG) within a contemporary scenario. The exercise is the first of its kind in Japan to focus on the 5 Air Expeditionary Task Force and...
