Commander's Corner: Oct. 4, 2013

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- This week created a series of challenges for Yokota. We had the end of fiscal year closeout, the SECDEF and SECSTATE meetings in Tokyo that we supported, and the government shutdown. The furlough is hitting us hard, again.

With the government shutdown, we still have the responsibility to provide for national defense. We will continue to provide professional airlift for WESTPAC, defend and maintain the base, take care of our Airmen, engage with our allies, and be prepared. We're going to demonstrate our capabilities in next week's Readiness Week.

Our leaders at every level will provide focus and direction during these uncertain times. In times of limited resources, leadership is at a premium. All of us--military, civilian and our families--will take care of each other. This is another opportunity to demonstrate that we are the best wing the Pacific.