In March 2025, the U.S. Forces Japan headquarters began its upgrade into a Joint Force Command, while Japan established a Joint Operations Command at the same time

In March 2025, the United States launched the first phase of upgrading the U.S. Forces Japan headquarters into a Joint Force Command, and Japan established a Joint Operations Command during the same period. The two sides said that a joint presence in the southwestern region is a priority and that the ability to access key terrain in the First Island Chain must be expanded.