Kisarazu Air Field facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kisarazu Air Field
木更津飛行場
Kisarazu Hikōjō
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Military | ||||||||||
| Operator |  Japan Ground Self-Defense Force |
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| Location | Kisarazu, Japan | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 10 ft / 3 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 35°23′42″N 139°54′47″E / 35.39500°N 139.91306°E | ||||||||||
| Website | JGSDF 1st Helicopter Brigade | ||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||
 RJTK
Location in Japan
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Source: Japanese AIP at AIS Japan
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Kisarazu Air Field (木更津飛行場, Kisarazu Hikōjō) is a military airport in Japan. It is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, which is Japan's army. People also know it as JGSDF Camp Kisarazu (木更津駐屯地, Kisarazu Chūtonchi).
This air field is located north of Kisarazu city in Chiba Prefecture. Sometimes, private charter jets also use this airport.
Contents
What Happens at Kisarazu Air Field?
Kisarazu Air Field is the home base for the 1st Helicopter Brigade of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. This group is part of the Central Readiness Force. They are ready to help quickly when needed.
Helping in Emergencies
Helicopters from the 1st Helicopter Brigade played a big part in helping after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. They were among the first to respond.
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, helicopters from Kisarazu helped cool down the damaged nuclear plant. They sprayed seawater from above onto the reactors.
A Look Back: History of Kisarazu Air Field
Kisarazu Air Field has a long history. It was first built in 1936.
Early Days
When it first opened, it was a base for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. This was the air branch of Japan's navy before and during World War II.
After World War II
After World War II ended, the United States Air Force (USAF) took over the base. They called it "Kisarazu Air Base."
In 1955, the runway was made longer. This allowed bigger jet bombers to use the airport.
In 1956, control of the base was officially given to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). However, some USAF units stayed there for a while.
By the 1960s, the US military mainly used Kisarazu to fix their navy jets. These jets were usually based on aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean. Later, all US military units left the air field.
In 1968, the JASDF moved its operations to Iruma Air Base. Kisarazu Air Field was then given to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
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