The Pacific Air Forces have permanently shifted the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron’s RQ-4 Global Hawks from Andersen Air Force Base to Yokota Air Base. The move, completed in late May and announced on 15 June, ends the squadron’s seasonal typhoon posture in Guam.
The relocation puts the unarmed, high-altitude ISR fleet in Japan’s Kanto region to improve weather resilience and sustain persistent coverage across the Indo-Pacific. The aircraft carry SAR and GMTI sensors, operate through satellite beyond-line-of-sight links, and support joint, allied and partner forces in peacetime, contingency and crisis missions.
For operators, the shift tightens basing, survivability and endurance at the First Island Chain.