5th Air Force
February 1942 to present
United States of America
TYPE: USAAF Unit
IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil
HEADQUARTERS: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (1942-1944), Nadzab Field, Australian New Guinea (1944)
FORMER NAME: Philippine Department Air Force (1941), Far Eastern Air Force (1941-1942)
SUBSEQUENT NAME: Nil
Commandos operated by the 5th Air Force, unit unknown:
- Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando: 44-78488 (HQ)
The 5th Air Force was formed from the retreating Far Eastern Air Force that was stationned in the Philippines when war broke out. It established its headquarters in Brisbane on 18 September 1942, and was responsible for all air operations in the southwest Pacific area. Throughout the war, it advanced to Papua New Guinea, Biak, the Philippines and Okinawa. The 5th Air Force operated Commandos in the Combat Cargo and Troop Carrier roles, under the following groups:
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