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Generally Speaking...

Major General K. B. Wolfe
Commanding General, Fifth Air Force

If there was ever any doubt as to the importance of ground crews during the war, that doubt should now be dispelled. The recent slowdown in air mail deliveries was due entirely to the shortage of ground crews and our own "out of commission" condition in the Fifth Air Force is because of the same shortage. Perhaps the ground crews didn't get their share of the glory during the war but they certainly have the spotlight of importance now.

Maj. Gen. K. B. Wolfe

The "brass" is well aware of the shortage and the importance of it, and action has been taken to relieve it. However, as one squadron commander remarked recently: "Ground crews don't grow on trees and are not made over night." For this reason we are putting emphasis on the training program and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of replacement personnel and qualified enlisted and civilian instructors.

* * *

I want to welcome at this time those non-commissioned officers and enlisted men who have recently been transferred to the Fifth Air Force from the Army Ground Forces. Your joining us at this time is of great importance to the Pacific Air Command. With your assistance we expect to raise the combat efficiency of the Fifth Air Force.

As you have no doubt already learned, there are ample opportunities in many types of mechanical and administrative work. You will find conditions in the Fifth Air Force not too different from those in your old organizations. There is plenty of work to be done, both in maintaining equipment and in improving living conditions and facilities on the bases. You will find the Air Force commanders ready and willing to assist you in your new line of work.

An extensive training program is just beginning and it is hoped that very shortly we will receive from the States the necessary instructors, training aids, cut-away models of equipment and handbooks to accelerate the program. It is planned to give both classroom and on-the-job training. You are important members of the Fifth Air Force and it is hoped that you will enjoy your service with us in this theater.

COMMAND REPORT
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FIFTH AIR FORCE
VOL. 1 SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1946 NO. 4

Ground Force Men to Supplement FAF

Several thousand enlisted men will shortly be transferred from the Eighth Army to help fill up the depleted ranks of Fifth Air Force units, according to A-1, Fifth Air Force.

The men will come from Ground Forces outfits, some of which are currently being inactivated, and will be trained for their new duties in the comprehensive Fifth Air Force training program recently announced by Major General K. B. Wolfe.

Air Force units in Korea will receive a substantial number of Ground Force men from AFWESPAC. No transfer of personnel from Japan to Korea is contemplated.

A considerable number of Air Corps officers are arriving from the States and are being allocated to the Air Forces in the Pacific by PACUSA as the need for replacements is determined.

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Hobby Supplies Arrive

Hobby hounds in Fifth Air Force units will soon be able to go to town with seven tons of new equipment and supplies just received from Australia by the Information and Education Section, Headquarters, Fifth Air Force.

The shipment consists of metal and leather craft kits and materials, mechanical drawing outfits and artists' materials which will be distributed to units through Air Force commands as soon as the equipment is assembled.

Materials will be available not only for classes in base schools but also to smaller units for use in hobby shops for off-duty recreation.

MAJ. GEN. K. B. Wolfe (left) is shown being greeted by Brig. Gen. Jarred V. Crabb (center) and Lt. Col. R. D. Dick after his initial landing at the new Johnson Field strip, while an honor guard of MP's stand by. The fieldwas later formally dedicated to the memory of Col. Gerald R. Johnson.

JOHNSON FIELD DEDICATED

^[[My "Home" December 1945]]
^[[See story 39A page 2]]

GENERAL WOLFE LANDS FIRST PLANE ON NEW AIRSTRIP

After landing his B-17 on the first American-built concrete runway in Japan, Major General K. B. Wolfe, Commanding General, Fifth Air Force, formally dedicated the naming of the former Irumagawa AAB Johnson Field Monday afternoon.

In an impressive ceremony attended by the full field compliment and high Fifth and Eighth Air Force officials, the former "Randolph Field" of Japan took the name of one of the Fifth's most brilliant war aces, Colonel Gerald R. Johnson. Colonel Johnson has been presumed dead. During a recent routine flight his B-25 disappeared after passengers and remaining members of the crew had parachuted to safety.

The glistening new runway took its maiden landing at 2:00 pm as the silver Fortress smoothly glided in. After alighting, General Wolfe was greeted by Brigadier General Jarred V. Crabb, Commanding General, Fifth Bomber Command. Representatives of the Hazama-Gumi construction company were on hand to present him with a bouquet of flowers. The Japanese concern supplied the labor with which the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion, commanded by Captain David D. Henderson, built the airstrip.

Following this, the field was formally dedicated to the memory of Colonel Johnson and a plaque was unveiled in front of the new operations building.

Planes of the 35th Fighter Group, Eighth Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, and 157th Liaison Squadron, all based at Johnson Field, were next inspected by the official party.

A spectacular aerial show was seen at these planes later flew past the reviewing stand in low level formation.

One time Japan's largest training field for fliers, Johnson Field was formerly the headquarters of Fifth Air Force. Now the home of Fifth Bomber Command, it is an important center of the Fifth's occupational air force. It is located 30 miles north-west of Tokyo; Lieutenant Colonel R. D. Dick is base commandant.

The new 4500 foot runway is now considered one of the finest in Japan and can accommodate the heaviest types of aircraft.

The building of the first American runway in Japan climaxed the brilliant career of the 43rd Engineers. Often the unsung heroes of many Pacific air battles, the 43rd, pioneers in this theater is one of the oldest outfits overseas.

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Applications Forwarded

A total of 525 applications for regular army commissions have been received from Fifth Air Force officers by A-1 of Fifth Air Force. The applications have been forwarded to Washington by special conrier so that they will arrive at the War Department by March 1.