During a joint press conference in Tokyo on March 30, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of phase one in upgrading U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) into a joint force headquarters. This transition aims to enhance USFJ’s operational and warfighting capabilities, aligning it with Japan’s newly established Joint Operations Command.
The upgrade will see additional personnel deployed to Tokyo and Yokota Air Base to reinforce military cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. Hegseth emphasized that the move is essential for increasing readiness, strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and countering potential threats, particularly from China.
As part of a broader strategy to fortify U.S. alliances, Hegseth’s visit to Japan capped a weeklong tour of the Indo-Pacific, including stops in Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Iwo Jima.
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