COMPACAF says hello, PACAF command chief says goodbye

U.S. Air Force Gen. Herbert Carlisle, right, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks to Lt. Gen. Hideo Wakabayashi, left, Northern Air Defense Force commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 25, 2012. During Carlisle's visit, he spoke about various issues including the recent curfew of bases in U.S. Pacific Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

COMPACAF says hello, PACAF command chief says goodbye

U.S. Air Force Gen. Herbert Carlisle, left, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks to Kazumasa Taneichi, Misawa City mayor, at Misawa City, Japan, Oct. 25, 2012. Carlisle thanked the Japanese people for their continued support and willingness to maintain their strong bilateral relationship despite recent incidents. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson)

COMPACAF says hello, PACAF command chief says goodbye

U.S. Air Force Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, pets Ajo, 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, after a K-9 aggression demonstration during his first visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 25, 2012. Carlisle toured several units within the 35th Fighter Wing and met with Airmen, Japan Air Self-Defense Force leadership and the Misawa City mayor to discuss numerous topics during his visit to Misawa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins)

COMPACAF says hello, PACAF command chief says goodbye

Published Oct. 31, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, toured several units within the 35th Fighter Wing and met with Airmen, Japan Air Self-Defense Force leadership and the Misawa City mayor to discuss numerous topics during his first visit to Misawa Air Base.

Carlisle was joined on his visit by Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean, PACAF command chief, who spoke before Carlisle at an Airmen's Call.

"Not only are we getting a chance to welcome our new PACAF commander, but it's also time for us to say goodbye to our PACAF command chief," said Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander.

"The first thing I want to say is that the installation looks great," said McLean. "It's easy to see the pride and professionalism throughout the 35th Fighter Wing and all the partner units that are here as well."

He went on to say that the quality, capabilities and intelligence of people in the Air Force were incredible to him.

"I will tell you this; the significant work that we do together is what really adds meaning to our lives," said McLean. "Working with all of you is what I'll look back on the most after I retire."

Carlisle took the stage after McLean, and one of the topics of discussion was the curfew that was recently initiated for all Status of Forces Agreement members in Japan.

"Even though Misawa has a good relationship with the local community, the curfew is something we needed to put in effect, at large, to gain back the trust of the Japanese people," said Carlisle. "It's a way to say we're sorry, it was inexcusable and we will hold people accountable for their actions. We will do everything in our power to ensure it doesn't happen again."

Some other topics of discussion were Airman on Airman crimes, suicide and the importance of being a good wingman and Airman.

"We have to take care of each other," said Carlisle. "We are all in this together."