Yokota welcomes new Mission Support Group commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander, presided over a change of command ceremony during which Col. Rafael Quezada relinquished command of the 374th Mission Support Group to Col. Todd Freece at Hangar 15, June 7.

During his opening remarks Colonel Feather commented on Colonel Quezada's leadership.

"Today, we pass the reins of command of the 374th Mission Support Group from Colonel Rafael Quezada to Colonel Todd Freece," said Colonel Feather. "The 374th Mission Support Group is an organization rich in heritage and pride. The men and women of the group have consistently proven themselves the best in PACAF and our Air Force... Their steady level of excellence over the past two years is largely due to the outstanding leadership of the commander we affectionately call 'Q.'"

Col. Feather also pointed out how Colonel Quezada increased morale for those that call Yokota home.

"Under 'Q's' leadership, the Mission Support Group continued to make Yokota a safe, close knit and caring community by providing, world class security, support and services that not only increased morale for the members of the 374th Mission Support Group, but for all who call Yokota home," said Colonel Feather.

Colonel Quezada has commanded the 374th MSG since February 2008. He leaves Yokota for his new assignment as Head of Aviation Integration, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. During his remarks, he took a moment to welcome his successor as well as Col. Freece's family.

"Colonel Todd Freece, Susan, Christian, Rachelle, Emma, welcome to Japan. You'll find the base and the people one of the best in the Air Force. They people will work hard to get the mission done," said Colonel Quezada. "Enjoy Japan and the Japanese people; I know they will impress you as they have my family."

The Colonel added that although the wing is losing Colonel and Mrs. Quezada it is also gaining Colonel and Mrs. Freece, who are sure to become great assets to the 374th AW and 5th Air Force.

"Today, we welcome an equally great leadership team to Yokota. The men and women of the MSG are excited to have the Freece family aboard and I'm happy to entrust this command to Todd, He is a respected office with a wide skill set and range of leadership experiences," said Colonel Feather.

The new 374th MSG commander acknowledged the importance of the mission ahead of him.

"As first impressions go, you have certainly lived up to your reputation for excellence, professionalism and energy. I have no doubt of your ability to deploy Airmen and project airpower, to maintain and operate the Western Pacific airlift hub and to care and provide for our families in Japan," said Colonel Freece.

As the 374th MSG commander, Colonel Freece is responsible to the 374th Airlift Wing commander for command, control and direction of support activities to the 374th Airlift Wing and 32 tenant units to include Headquarters U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force. The 374th Mission Support Group provides security, communications and computer systems, information management, facilities and repair, logistics, contracting, people programs and quality of life for 11,000 military and civilians and assets worth more than $2 billion.

Colonel Freece comes to Yokota from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where he served as the vice commander of the 613th Air and Space Operations Center.