Former 35 FW/CC returns to Misawa as USFJ commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella visited Misawa Aug. 8 - 10 for the first time since being appointed the Commander of U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force.

However, this isn't his first time at Misawa. Five years ago, Angelella was stationed here as the 35th Fighter Wing commander from August 2005 to January 2007. A few years before that, he was the 13th Fighter Squadron commander.

In an American Forces Network-Misawa interview, Angelella praised servicemembers for their commitment to the military and pledged to make their lives here as memorable as possible.

"Right now, my goal is to get all the service members and their families what they need to get the job done and to make this experience one to remember," said Angelella.

During the visit, Angelella spoke with the Misawa City Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi, Japan Air Self-Defense Force commanders and 3rd Air Wing commanders.

While visiting the Japanese military and Misawa City leadership, Angelella expressed his gratitude for their assistance in the rescue of a 35 FW pilot who safely ejected from his F-16 aircraft into the Pacific Ocean July 22.

Angelella also spoke about continuing good relations between the U.S. military, Japanese military and Japanese nationals, as well as the steady recovery from Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Although the visit was short, he found time to enjoy meeting Misawa servicemembers and our Japanese counterparts. Angelella stated he enjoyed his return to his former home.

"It was great coming back to Misawa," he said. "I still have a lot of ties here, so it was like coming home."