COMPACAF thanks Team Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  General Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, held an Airman's Call during his visit here Apr. 18, to discuss the efforts of all Airmen supporting Operation Tomodachi.

The general expressed his gratitude to more than 650 Airmen in attendance for their hard work.

"I could not be prouder of the work that was done throughout the Kanto Plain and I cannot speak enough about base volunteers," said General North. "Many Airmen worked their normal jobs for 12 to 18 hours a day and then went to volunteer to work whenever and wherever it was needed; our hats off to you for your incredible work."

The general also discussed Team Yokota's involvement in supporting the Japanese government during crisis response operations.
"We're doing all the things that need to be done in support of the Japanese government as they ask us to do it, both in a civilian and a military fashion," said General North. "We're about moving cargo and moving people, behind everyone of those platforms is a group of Airmen across the entire installation who make things work."

General North continued by elaborating on the importance of an Airman's ability to be prepared at a moment's notice.

"Whatever the mission is from no-notice humanitarian work to full-up combat operations around the world, our Airmen are doing incredible things," said General North.

The general commented on the challenging times of the Air Force and the Airmen who continue to support missions around the globe.
"We're doing it, we've got incredibly brilliant Airmen working in a joint-combined-world," said the PACAF commander. "We have to do this smart and we've got to do it with an understanding that every one of us is critical to our mission, because we can't afford to lose anybody in our business."
Finally COMPACAF addressed the importance of Yokota's involvement with Operation Tomodachi.

"Learn from this event because you will reach back into your knowledge base in the future and remember the things that each of you have done to support it," said General North.
"It is those experiences that will enable you to better support our operations around the world," he said.

In closing, General North reminded the Airmen that they are the most precious resource the Air Force has, regardless of rank, position or experience level.

"Never think that because of who you are or what's on your sleeve or on your shoulder that you're not a critical Airman in our business, because you are," said General North. "We could not be prouder of you and your business or how well you represent in your day to day missions."