374 AW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Two weeks ago, Col. Mark "Buzz" August was leading deployed Airmen in Southwest Asia. Today, he's leading Team Yokota Airmen as the commander of the 374th Airlift Wing.

August assumed command of the wing from Col. Bill Knight in a change of command ceremony June 29. U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Burton Field presided over the ceremony and spoke highly about both commanders.

During his opening remarks, Field noted that Team Yokota's loss is the president's gain.

"Our loss is Joint Base Andrews' [Washington, D.C.] gain," Field said. "Big challenges await you [Knight], but you are more than ready."

The general also pointed out how important the leader of the wing is to the success of the overall mission of the base.

"When called upon to lead the wing, [Knight] never wavered and immediately stepped up," said Field. "It was impressive to watch as he picked up the reins, kept the team focused, and under his leadership, the wing never missed a beat."

Knight, who served as the wing commander for three months following more than a year as the vice commander, will move to his new assignment as commander of 11th Wing, Joint Base Andrews.

"My time in Japan has been the high point of a very satisfying career," Knight said. "And I owe it all to the members of Team Yokota.

"Great teams have three distinct attributes - talent, character and a commitment to excellence. All are essential to achieve the objectives of the team. It has been a pleasure admiring your immense talent. It has been humbling to witness the strength of your character, and your commitment to excellence is truly amazing. In short, I could not have asked for more," Knight said.

Although the change of command means the wing will be losing a leader, it will also be gaining another.

"[August] is the perfect officer, leader and warrior to take the wing colors today," Field said. "He is superbly skilled as an operator and leader, a gifted commander, both at home station and in the combat environments, extremely smart and well versed in operational art and strategy."

The incoming wing commander relied upon Yokota Airmen as the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group commander in Southwest Asia.

"As a deployed commander, I had the privilege of working with members of Team Yokota, and you excelled in the fires of combat. Your reputation earned among our allies for Operation Tomodachi is renown," August said. "I look forward to the opportunity to work for you in the future."

As the 374 AW commander, August is responsible for the management, training and command and control of the Department of Defense's only airlift wing in the Western Pacific. Yokota provides mission ready forces and base operating support to guarantee U.S. forward presence and crisis response.