US Space Forces Japan celebrates first year of activation

Published Dec. 23, 2025
By U.S. Air Force Capt. Tisha Yates
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Forces Japan celebrated its first year of activation at Yokota Air Base, Dec. 4.

Two men in military camouflage uniforms shake hands while standing behind a table with a cake on it. They are surrounded by other service members in similar attire, who are clapping. — Guardians and members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Space Operations Group celebrate the activation anniversary of U.S. Space Forces Japan at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 25, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in the continued partnership and collaboration between the U.S. and Japanese space forces, strengthening their commitment to regional security and space operations. (U.S. Space Force photo)

As the newest independent service in the War Department and a newly activated component in the Indo-Pacific region, this small but essential team of Guardians advances space expertise for Japan and joint partners.

U.S. Space Forces Japan is the second component under U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, following the activation of U.S. Space Forces Korea in 2022. The subcomponent supports the rapidly developing Japan Ministry of Defense space organizations and capabilities, and the need for robust space expertise to support U.S. forces in Japan.

"I am proud and honored to have been chosen to lead this organization," said Col. Ryan Laughton, commander of U.S. Space Forces Japan. "It's exciting to be able to come in and craft a component into something that's never been done before, but ultimately it's been a team effort."

Over the last year, the component has experienced significant growth in expertise, manpower and operational capabilities. This includes building out directorates, establishing robust processes and developing strong relationships with counterparts at U.S. Forces Japan, other service components, U.S. partners and U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific.

The activation ensures space forces can plan, integrate, coordinate and execute efforts in Japan on behalf of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific to best support the U.S. partnership agreements with Japan, deepen integration with Japanese space counterparts and meet dynamic regional challenges to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"It's incredibly rewarding," said U.S. Space Forces Japan Capt. Rafael Fermin, chief of engagements. "It comes with significant responsibility, but I'm proud to play a role in shaping [the command] and contributing to its long-term foundation and success."

The bilateral alliance with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Space Operations Group has strengthened exponentially over the year.

"Working with SOG, especially in my current role, has shown me how strong and steadily growing our collaboration is," Fermin said. "It's clear that we share many of the same goals and priorities, and we approach them as true partners. I'm excited to see how this relationship continues to deepen as our missions evolve."

Further emphasizing that strong partnership, Laughton noted that Japan is also investing heavily in its space capabilities.

"As the [operations group] continues to grow, it has been an exciting challenge to learn how to be effective in performing our missions together," Laughton said, "But overall, working side by side with Japan's space guardians has been phenomenal."

The stars are the limit for U.S. Space Forces Japan's future. The component plans to continue its work to establish itself as the "one voice for space in Japan," providing a hub for collaboration with Japanese space partners, operating space effects for joint warfighters in the region and bringing options to U.S. Forces Japan as they move forward in their own transformation to a joint force headquarters.