36th AS change of command

36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, 36th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, left, and Lt. Col. Matt Buchholtz, 36th AS incoming commander, right, listen to remarks during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, gives remarks during the 36th Airlift Squadron change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, left, receives the squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, 36th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, right, during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The 36th AS executes airlift operations that transport personnel, equipment, and supplies across vast distances, bolstering military readiness and humanitarian efforts worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman David S. Calcote)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, 36th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, stands on stage during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman David S. Calcote)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, left, presents Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, outgoing 36th Airlift Squadron commander, right, the Meritorious Service Medal during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the armed services who distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman David S. Calcote)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, left, presents the squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Matthew Buchholtz, 36th Airlift Squadron incoming commander, right, during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The ceremony marked the transfer of leadership responsibilities, ensuring continuity and excellence in mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman David S. Calcote.)

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36th AS change of command

A 36th Airlift Squadron patch rests on the shoulder of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gabriela Don, 36th AS loadmaster, during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brendan King, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot, stands at attention in a formation during the 36th AS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

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36th AS change of command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, 36th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, gives her final salute to members of the 36th AS at a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)

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Lt. Col. Matthew Buchholtz assumed command of the 36th Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Kira Coffey during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 29, 2024.

Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by family members of the incoming and outgoing commanders, members of the 36th AS, and representatives from across the base.

“748 days ago, I took command and set a vision to aggressively deter our adversaries by leveraging tactical airlift power under one simple phrase, ‘Not Today,’” said Coffey.

During Coffey’s time as commander of the 36th AS, she commanded five flying deployments and played a role as a senior mentor and key facilitator for the Yokota University; a robust community program that reached over 1,500 joint students in its first year. Additionally, Coffey accumulated over 2,500 hours, flying in over 50 countries and achieving instructor pilot status for both the C-130J Super Hercules and McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender. The accomplishments made by Coffey while at Yokota have directly supported a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“To the men and women of the 36th AS, I am humbled to join your squadron and I look forward to serving you,” said Buchhotlz.

The 36th Airlift Squadron's steadfast commitment to excellence ensures that it remains a cornerstone of airpower projection in the Indo-Pacific, bolstering the United States’ enduring presence in the region.