Top defender assumes leadership of 35th SFS

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Maj. Dustin Sutton took command of the 35th Security Forces Squadron during an assumption-of-command ceremony at the Tohoku Enlisted Club at 9 a.m. Monday. 

Commander of the 35th Mission Support Group Col. Mark Burns presided over the ceremony and highlighted the fact that he has "watched as security forces has conquered the challenges of a heavy deployment tempo and the limited number of leaders due to that tempo and from tragedy." 

The tragedy Colonel Burns spoke of was the death of Lt. Col. Scott Sanford, the last security forces commander, who passed away in October after his battle with cancer.
Although the squadron had to continue without Colonel Sanford at the reins they were still able to accomplish the mission in an exceptional manner, according to Colonel Burns. 

"You have successfully enforced the standards of Misawa and your excellent rating during the Unit Compliance Inspection is a testament to that," said Colonel Burns. "However, organizations are always changing and should be striving to become better. I am quite sure the arrival of Major Sutton as your commander will ensure a continued culture of excellence that constantly strives for improvement." 

Major Sutton brings with him a wealth of experience and a long record of success, added Colonel Burns. 

Although Major Sutton leads from the front he said his top priority is his people.
"I believe success begins with people," he said. "Successful commanders ensure mission accomplishment through commitment to their personnel's welfare and that of their families." 

Major Sutton believes that continual improvement generates excellence, which depends on setting and striving for measurable goals he added. 

"Whether its fitness or educational goals, improvement of work processes or spiritual growth, all Airmen should seek personal improvement and increased efficiency at their places of work," he said. "If it's not broke, make it better" 

Before coming to Misawa, Major Sutton was the executive officer to the director of Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He is also a recent graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy at Marine Corps Station Quantico, Va. 

Having been stationed five years ago at Kadena Air Base, the major is looking forward to his tour here at Misawa.

"My family and I are very excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to return to Japan," he said. "The culture and the people are simply amazing and the level of respectfulness and courtesy in their culture is admirable."

Major Sutton's major awards include a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Force Achievement Medal with five oak leaf clusters.