U.S. Space Force Guardians stand in a delta formation during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026

260603-F-YL411-1149

U.S. Space Force Guardians stand in a delta formation during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)
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U.S. Coast Guardsmen shake hands

260611-F-PM645-1011

From left, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Kira Moody, incoming commander of Coast Guard Activities Far East, and Capt. James Suffern, outgoing commander of FEACT, shake hands during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 11, 2026. The ceremony marked the transfer of authority and responsibility from Suffern to Moody, symbolizing the transition of leadership to the organization’s new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
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374th Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

374th Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, Fifth Air Force commander, passes the guidon toCol. Daniel Mendoza, 374th Airlift Wing incoming commander, during the 374 AW change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • U.S. Space Force Guardians stand in a delta formation during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026

    260603-F-YL411-1149

    U.S. Space Force Guardians stand in a delta formation during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • U.S. Coast Guardsmen shake hands

    260611-F-PM645-1011

    From left, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Kira Moody, incoming commander of Coast Guard Activities Far East, and Capt. James Suffern, outgoing commander of FEACT, shake hands during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 11, 2026. The ceremony marked the transfer of authority and responsibility from Suffern to Moody, symbolizing the transition of leadership to the organization’s new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • 374th Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

    374th Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joel Carey, Fifth Air Force commander, passes the guidon toCol. Daniel Mendoza, 374th Airlift Wing incoming commander, during the 374 AW change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 10, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Change of Command season wraps up at Yokota

  • Published
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  

Yokota Air Base has wrapped up its 2026 change of command season, marking several key leadership transitions across the installation.

From tenant units to vital mission partners, the following organizations have officially changed hands as outgoing commanders pass the guidon to their successors:

  • U.S. Space Forces-Japan, formerly led by Col. Ryan Laughton is now commanded by Col. John Patrick.
  • U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East, formerly led by Capt. James Suffern is now commanded by Capt. Kira Moody.
  • The 374th Airlift Wing, formerly led by Col. Richard McElhaney is now commanded by Col. Daniel Mendoza.
  • The 374th Operations Group, formerly led by Col. Nathan Powell is now commanded by Col. Henry Pflugradt III. 
  • The 374th Mission Support Group, formerly led by Col. Burt Okamoto is now commanded by Col. Kazimir Kostrubala.
  • The 36th Airlift Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Matthew Buchholtz is now commanded by Lt. Col. Steve Larson.
  • The 374th Comptroller Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Timothy Krystosek is now commanded by Lt. Col. Casey Hawkins.
  • The 374th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Kimberly McCoy-Singh is now commanded by Lt. Col. John Wu.
  • The 374th Force Support Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Yasmin Bolling is now commanded by Lt. Col. Claudia Santos.
  • The 730th Air Mobility Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Shaun Cox is now commanded by Maj. John Ritschard.
  • The 337th Air Support Flight, formerly led by Lt. Col. Bradley Echols is now commanded by Lt. Col. David Phetmixay.
  • The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Pacific Japan, formerly led by Lt. Col. Dominic G. Baker is now commanded by Maj. Christopher T. Price.

The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass a baton, 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.