Misawa welcomes new installation, wing commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  In an assumption of command ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, Col. Michael D. Rothstein became the new commander of Misawa Air Base and the 35th Fighter Wing Aug. 31.

Few positions in the Air Force are as demanding as being a wing commander, said General Rice. Colonel Rothstein has consistently been the best officer at each of his assignments, and his track record of success in every assignment prior to coming to Misawa is an indicator that he's just the right person in this time in history to command this wing.

Colonel Rothstein comes to Misawa after serving as the chief of Activities Synchronization for the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan.

"My focus for the wing is pretty simple," Colonel Rothstein said. "Mission, leadership and community. We must provide a credible forward presence in support of the defense of Japan and to promote regional stability while also deploying in support of ongoing combat operations. We must aggressively develop leaders among us, and we must be responsible, proactive members of our community.

"This year marks 50 years of team work in the Airman-to-Airman Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force alliance, and I look forward to fostering that relationship during my command at Misawa," he added.

Colonel Rothstein, a former Misawa AB 13th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, received his commission in 1988, graduating as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree and a Master's degree in Strategic Studies. He has commanded the 57th Operations Support Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and the 609th Air Operations Group at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. He also served as the Director of Operations and Plans, U.S. Air Forces Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

The colonel is a command pilot with more than 2,400 flying hours in the F-16C Block 30/40/50, T-37 and T-38.