Misawa command chief bids farewell, eyes future

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Chief Master Sgt. James Laurent, 35th Fighter Wing command chief, is set to wrap up his time here as the highest ranking enlisted member. But for him, it isn't a goodbye; it's more of a "see you later."

Laurent's next stop will keep him in Japan for years to come, as he steps in as the command chief for U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base, thus retaining Misawa as part of his responsibility. He joked he must be careful to avoid the perception that Misawa is his favorite base, but maintained a serious tone on the importance of the Airmen and his time here.

"One of the things I have tried to emphasize to our Airmen since my arrival is that we truly appreciate what they do," said Laurent. "We ask and expect a lot of them and they do incredible work."

Since his arrival in January 2012, Laurent has put a focus on improving the quality of life of Airmen and their families. It's a notion supported by wing leadership and has been put into play effectively as Laurent said the 35 FW has really changed positively over time.

"When I first got here, the wing was rebounding from a tough Operational Readiness Inspection," Laurent said. "What really impressed me was how the leadership and the Airmen who make the mission happen really turned that around and have done some phenomenal work."

To highlight his point, Laurent cited successful inspections across the wing as direct evidence of development and change. He said across the board -- from a Health Services Inspection, to an aircraft generation inspection, a Consolidated Unit Inspection, to the recent Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection-- our Airmen excelled at showing they are more than ready to perform their mission.

Some additional items Laurent identified as exciting works in progress included the implementation of an Honorary Commander Program, an effort he said is now picking up speed and will also include private organizations. He also said strides have been made in providing for dormitory dwellers by creating an office in the dorms for chaplains and plans to open a café in the dorms as a non-alcoholic option.

Sometimes Airmen are kind of afraid to talk about the spiritual piece of resiliency, Laurent said, and having the option available and easily accessible is important if someone is looking for mentorship.

The chaplains will also do specific training on a handful of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to help speed up and aid the process for Airmen working to complete their Community College of the Air Force degrees.

Of the many things Laurent has enjoyed during his time here, he said none stood out to him more than the strength of relations in and around the Misawa community.

"Being at an overseas location, we've had some of the strongest community relations that I've ever seen," he said. "We've done a good job of getting out in the community, helping out and supporting them, and they have really stepped up and looked out for us as well. The community here is so supportive and is very tight knit."

Bilateral engagements are something Chief Laurent is no stranger to, and he said that isn't likely to change in his future role with the USFJ and 5 AF.

"I am really looking forward to enjoying the same stuff I have enjoyed here; we have made some really good friends," said Laurent. "Working with Japanese forces and being able to represent all the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines is an exciting prospect."