Top leader visits Misawa, praises Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Lt. Gen. Edward Rice, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, presided over a change of command ceremony for the 35th Fighter Wing Monday. 

While here, he took the opportunity to discuss recent changes in Air Force leadership, Misawa's role in the mission and how we fit into the overall picture and the importance of being good ambassadors. 

Two months ago, both the secretary of Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force retired due in part to the improper handling of nuclear weapons in the Air Force. 

"As difficult as it is, we must view the recent changes in Air Force leadership as an opportunity to examine ourselves and the missions we are responsible for," said General Rice. "We must assure a complete and total focus on every aspect and detail of our activities. Nothing has changed in our priorities; we have to fight today's fight, take care of our people, and prepare for tomorrow's challenges."

The new chief of staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, was appointed by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates Aug. 14.

"There will be some level of reorganization, so that we can renew our focus on the nuclear mission - a very vital part of what we do as an Air Force," said General Rice.

Some of tomorrow's challenges include continuing deployments. Since last year, more than 1,300 of Misawa's Airmen have deployed to support the war on terror and many leave their families behind. 

"We appreciate everyone who deploys and we understand the sacrifices by those families who remain behind," said General Rice. "This Global War on Terror we are engaged in is a serious operation that we must win, and we can only win it by deploying people forward. It's a necessary step for us to take and we appreciate the contributions of all of our Airmen, as well as our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who deploy to various parts of the world to maintain peace, security and stability." 

Families left behind should support each other, take advantage of on-base support programs, networks and remind each other that America and her allies value their personal sacrifices and supports them, the general added.

Airmen stationed here are also tasked with maintaining peace and stability in the region. The 35th FW is one of the few units in the Air Force capable of suppression of enemy air defenses dropping 168 precision guided munitions on target while deployed last year.

"Misawa is one of the most important bases in the Pacific," said General Rice. "Not just because of the very important mission the Wild Weasels perform, but because of the location here in Northern Japan. If you look at the U.S. Air Force's bases in Japan, we have one in the South in Kadena, one in the middle in Yokota and then Misawa really holds down the fort in Northern Japan." 

Because of Misawa's valuable location, General Rice underscored the reasons why we need to be good ambassadors. 

"Duty in a foreign country requires a high degree of responsibility and dependability from everyone," stated General Rice. "Each of us, no matter our status, is a representative or emissary of the United States 24-hours a day."

According to General Rice, "our personal choices and conduct can influence and significantly impact international relations, so we must avoid any form of misconduct and must always be good neighbors to our Japanese hosts."

"Criminal incidents and mishaps, involving Japanese personnel, decrease public support for the U.S.-Japan alliance and undermine U.S. government and Government of Japan efforts to achieve close cooperation and regional security and stability," he said. "Each act of misconduct detracts from our otherwise great relationship with the Government of Japan and its people."

Currently, Misawa is the benchmark for community relations here, but General Rice wanted to remind everyone about how they're doing.

"The wing remains a major asset that our Air Force can call upon to deter aggression and provide a highly credible response and Misawa is hitting home runs," said General Rice. "This is clearly a premier wing, not only in the Pacific, but I would say in the entire U.S. Air Force. Everything we've asked you to do, you've done with excellence. I've experienced, I think, a great enthusiasm among the people here. You understand the very important role you play - not only in our national defense, but in the security of this region."