OSI activates new squadron in Yokota

  • Published
  • By Yasuo Osakabe
  • 374th Airlift Wing public affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 9th Field Investigations Squadron (9 FIS) was activated during an assumption of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 25, 2023.

The 9 FIS will be a central command point for Office of Special Investigations (OSI) detachments in Japan. The priority of OSI efforts in Japan requires an organizational framework able to overcome a multitude of challenges to meet mission demands. The standing up of this new squadron ensures synchronization of OSI’s Japan-wide efforts, strengthens OSI tactical/operational support to Japanese partners, and streamlines engagement with U.S. senior leaders at United States Forces Japan (USFJ) and 5th Air Force (5AF).

The squadron will fall under the 6th Field Investigations Region, stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. 6 FIR is a wing-level organization responsible for OSI criminal, fraud, counterintelligence and counter-threat investigations and operations in a 35-nation area of responsibility covering Southeast Asia and the Pacific Theater, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and Korea.

With his assumption of command, Lt. Col. Adam Kurzen became the first commander of the 9 FIS.

“OSI family here at Yokota and also connected from Misawa and Kadena, I am so honored to be your new commander,” said Kurzen, the newly appointed 9th FIS commander. “The reality of the security environment in the Pacific is more challenging than we've seen in decades. As OSI has done many times in its history, it will need to adapt effectively to address these evolving threats”

Col. Benjamin Hatch, 6FIR commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony. Also in attendance were numerous distinguished J apanese guests from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

“The approval and activation of the 9th Field Investigation Squadron means we have sent the force the appropriate agility, posture, protection, and command and control necessary to meet mission demands for today and into the future,” said Hatch. “The significance of the squadron's mission in Japan is to protect and defend the United States and our partners and allies against threats.”