US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk returns to Misawa AB.

The U.S. Air Force deployed a squadron of RQ-4 Global Hawks, June 1, 2018, intra-theater to Misawa Air Base, Japan from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in order to maintain theater-wide Global Hawk operations through the Summer and Fall, the Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs said on June 4. 

An RQ-4 Global Hawk, assigned to the 69th Reconnaissance Group, Detachment 1, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, lands at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2018, for a temporary intra-theater deployment
(Credit: US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Deana Heitzman)

This rotational deployment of the Global Hawk is temporary but necessary in order to provide a base from which the platform can be reliably operated during months in which inclement weather, including typhoon activities, has the potential to hinder readiness.

The Andersen-based RQ-4s were deployed to Yokota Air Base, Japan in 2017 and to Misawa AB in 2014 and 2015 for the same reasons.

The United States continues to deploy its most advanced capabilities to Japan, including the Global Hawk, as a part of the commitment to the security of Japan and to the stability of the region.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides global all-weather, day or night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. The US Air Force has 37 RQ-4 UAvs in its active force as of FY2017.