Ashiya Air Field

Ashiya Air Base is a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) installation located in the Fukuoka Prefecture, north of Ashiya. Established in 1944 as a Japanese Army Air Force facility, the airfield initially served as a defensive site for Nakajima Ki-84 interceptors. Following the arrival of American forces in October 1945, the installation was used for the salvage and destruction of Japanese military aircraft.

The United States Army Air Forces reactivated the base for operational use in May 1946. During the post-war occupation, the base hosted the 8th, 475th, and 347th Fighter Groups, which operated P-51D Mustangs and F-82G Twin Mustangs. During the Korean War, the 35th and 18th Fighter Groups conducted combat missions from the base using F-80 Shooting Star jets. In September 1950, the facility transitioned to a transport role, hosting multiple troop carrier groups operating C-54 Skymaster and C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft. Between 1952 and 1957, the 39th Air Rescue Squadron also operated SC-47, SA-16, and SH-19 aircraft from the site.

The United States returned the base to the Japanese government in 1960. It is currently operated by the JASDF and reports to the Air Training Command. The base provides pilot flight training and hosts the 13th Flying Training Wing, which consists of the 1st and 2nd Flight Training Squadrons. It also houses the Air Rescue Wing Ashiya Detachment. The wing operates squadrons of Kawasaki T-4 aircraft to fulfill its training mission.