At which Japanese airfield did the first U.S. occupation personnel land in August 1945?

The first U.S. occupation personnel landed at Atsugi Airfield in August 1945.

About 150 U.S. personnel flew to Atsugi, in Kanagawa Prefecture, on August 28, 1945, several days before Japan formally signed the surrender instrument. Their arrival began the physical implementation of the planned Allied occupation.

The airfield was roughly 30 miles from Tokyo. General Douglas MacArthur arrived there on August 30, 1945, and Allied forces used the location as they expanded control over Japan after the surrender announcement.

The landing preceded the formal ceremony aboard USS Missouri on September 2. It also came before the occupation’s full deployment, which included the 4th Marine Regiment and the 11th Airborne Division. The occupation was led by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and aimed to demilitarize Japan and establish a more democratic political system.