Misawa Air Base, JAPAN -- The 35th Fighter Wing guidon was placed into new hands during a change of command ceremony here, July 7.
During the ceremony, Col. Timothy Sundvall relinquished command of the fighter wing to its 65th commander Col. R. Scott Jobe.
The event was presided over by Lt. Gen. John Dolan, U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force commander, who noted that the U.S.-Japan alliance has been the foundation of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the cornerstone of U.S. engagement in the region. Dolan praised Sundvall’s accomplishments and contributions to that alliance at Misawa, and welcomed Jobe into his new role.
"Under the leadership of Col. Sundvall, the 35th Fighter Wing has had an incredible two years," Dolan said. "Between real-world operational deployments to joint and bi-lateral exercises, 'Rabid' Sundvall has enhanced and strengthened this wing’s operational readiness.”
Sundvall, who served as the 35th FW commander since June 2014, is moving on to work as the assistant deputy director of operations, Joint Staff J3 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. During his farewell address, he reflected on his time at Misawa with positivity and pride, remarking that the mission and taking care of Airmen are the main elements that continue to keep Misawa great.
"Mission, Airmen, families," said Sundvall. "I could not be more proud of how the wing took those priorities and ran with them. The mission comes first; that's why we're here. Airmen perform the mission, and when we take care of our Airmen, they take care of the mission. And every Airman who has family knows that they sacrifice just as much, if not more, to ensure that our Airmen are able to accomplish the mission."
With Sundvall's time as commander complete, it was time for Jobe to take center stage.
Before arriving at Misawa, Jobe was the J53 Contingency Planning Division chief with U.S. Southern Command. This is his 15th assignment in a 22-year career. During his introduction as the new commander, Jobe put his focus on freedom, the partnership with Japan and the profession of arms.
"I believe in freedom and freedom loving people all around the world,” said Jobe. “We fight for the same values – a better future for our children and our families and a better future for our nation.”
Jobe continued by praising the men and women of the 35th FW, stating that he hopes he can measure up to the greatness each and every member of the Wild Weasel family has displayed through the profession of arms.
As one commander entered and the other exited, the common thread shared was the importance of guarding freedom and the long, strong-standing alliance between the U.S. and Japan.
"I believe in partnership. We are all in this together. The American and Japanese people have been side-by-side for decades and we will not wavier in our cause,” added Jobe.