13th Air Force (13th AF) "Jungle Air Force"
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF)

Background
On December 14, 1942 established as Thirteenth Air Force. On January 13, 1943 activated by Major General Millard F. Harmon as the 13th Air Force (13th AF) and its subordinate XIII Bomber Command and XIII Fighter Command to assume administrative control over all U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) units in the South Pacific (SOPAC). Also spelled Thirteenth Air Force. Nicknamed "Jungle Air Force".

The Headquarters (HQ) Thirteenth Air Force was established under the command of Major General Nathan F. Twinning at Espiritu Santo. HQ XIII Fighter Command under the command of Brigadier General Dean C. Strother is established at Nouméa. HQ XIII Bomber Command under the command of Colonel Harlan T. McCormick was established on Espiritu Santo. Operational control of the Thirteenth's subordinate units is exercised by the USMC officer commanding USMC air units on Guadalcanal.

On June 15, 1944 the Far East Air Force (FEAF) was reformed and combined the 5th Air Force (5th AF) in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and 13th Air Force (13th AF) in the South Pacific (SOPAC) under the command of General George C. Kenney. The FEAF continues until the end of the Pacific War.

On September 18, 1947 became part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). During December 1948, moved to Kadena Airfield on Okinawa, where it remained for a few months then in May 1949 returned to Clark Field.

Command
13th Bomber Command (XIII Bomber Command)
13th Fighter Command (XIII Fighter Command)

Fighter Group (FG)
18th Fighter Group (8th FG)
347th Fighter Group (347th FG)

Bombardment Group (BG)
5th Bombardment Group (5th BG) "Bomber Barons"
42nd Bombardment Group (42nd BG) "The Crusaders"
307th Bombardment Group (307th BG) "Long Rangers"

Bombardment Squadron (BS)
868th Bombardment Squadron (868th BS) "Snooper Squadron"

Troop Carrier Group (TCG)
403rd Troop Carrier Group (403rd TCG)

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major General Nathan F. Twinning

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