 On April 1, 2013, the Department of the Army granted official battalion status, and the unit was renamed the United States Army Aviation Battalion Japan, resulting in internal structure changes and additional personnel authorizations.The mission of the U.S. Army Aviation Battalion Japan “Ninjas” is to conduct aviation operations in support of the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward).The battalion is prepared to deploy in support of regional contingencies, joint/bilateral exercises, and regional stability and support operations.