Which Japanese airfield received the first U.S. occupation troops after Japan’s surrender?

Atsugi Airfield received the first U.S. occupation troops after Japan’s surrender.

On August 28, 1945, about 150 U.S. personnel flew to Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture. Their arrival marked the beginning of the Allied occupation of Japan, several days before the formal surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.

The troops were followed by larger occupation forces, including Marines who landed on the southern coast of Kanagawa. The 11th Airborne Division was flown from Okinawa to Atsugi, which was about 30 miles from Tokyo.

General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan on August 30 and established the occupation headquarters. The occupation was conducted under the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and continued until the peace treaty took effect in 1952.