JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

DIRECTIVE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF U.S. ARMY
STRATEGIC AIR FORCES (USASTAF)
Reference: JCS 742/10 and 742/11

Note by the Secretaries

By informal action on 10 July 1945, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved and despatched the. message in the enclosure to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific; the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and the Commanding General, U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces.

A.J. McFARLAND,
C..J. MOORE,
Joint Secretariat.

JCS 742/12

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TOP SECRET

ENCLOSURE

10 July 1945

MESSAGE TO : Commander in Chief, U.S. Army Forces, Pacific (CINCAFPAC);
                            Commander in Chief-, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC);
                            Commanding General, U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces (COMGENUSASTAF)

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have this date approved the following directive:

1. The War Department has established an air command designated "U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces (USASTAF)" consisting initially of those combat and service units assigned to or operating with the Twentieth Air Force, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Eighth Air Force, and other elements subsequently to be mutually agreed upon by CINCAFPAC, CINCPAC and the Commanding General (COMGEN), USASTAF, or as prescribed by higher authority.

2. COMGENUSASTAF is charged with the primary responsibility for the conduct of landbased strategic air operations against Japan with the object of accomplishing the progressive destruction and dislocation of Japan's military, industrial and economic systems to a point where her capacity for armed resistance is fatally weakened. He will collaborate with CINCAFPAC and CINCPAC in such strategic air operations of Army air forces or Navy carrier-based air forces as CINCAFPAC and CINCPAC may elect to conduct. This responsibility will be discharged in accordance with directives which have been or which may be issued from time to time by the Joint Chiefs of Staff through the Commanding General, Army Air Forces as executive agent.

3. COMGENUSASTAF will continue operations to support the accomplishment of the over-all objective to defeat Japan and will cooperate with CINCAFPAC and CINCPAC in the preparation and execution of plans for the invasion of Japan.

4. COMGENUSASTAF will be responsible for the internal administration and internal logistical support of all forces assigned to USASTAF and will present his requirements for theater, logistical support to CINCAFPAC and CINCPAC respectively, as required. USASTAF will be administered as directed by the War Department. CINCAFPAC and CINCPAC are charged with the responsibility of meeting COMGENUSASTAF's logistic requirements subject to the over-all availability of resources.

5. A headquarters will be designated to discharge the functions of Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas (AAFPOA) which are not assumed under the provisions of this directive by USASTAF. The transfer of functions will be subject to agreement between CINCAPPAC, CINCPAC and COMGENUSASTAF.

6. All understandings, commitments, agreements and directives with reference to the Twentieth Air Force will remain in effect and apply to USASTAF until amended or rescinded by the appropriate authority.

7. Commanders concerned will implement this directive as expeditiously as possible without interference with current operations.

8. Directives in conflict with the above are modified accordingly.

CM-OUT-29978        (Jul 45)