YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. Kenneth Moss took command of the 374 Airlift Wing from Col. Douglas DeLaMater, 374 AW outgoing commander, during the official wing change of command at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 24, 2016.
A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.
"To be selected as the commander of PACAFs best wing is the honor of a lifetime," Moss said. "I'm joining a team of All-Stars, and I'm happy to be a part of it. I'm also looking forward to making our alliance with Japan even stronger."
Moss comes to Yokota from Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was the commander of 43rd Airlift Group. He has more than 4,000 flying hours in a variety of aircraft, including the C-21A, C-130 Hercules and KC-10A Extender.
The new wing commander said he looks forward to serving with the men and women of Yokota as they contribute to international peace, security and stability.
We are the fortunate ones," Moss said to the Airmen of the 374 AW. "We live in a beautiful place (Japan), we work with friends that we call family, and our work makes the world a better place every day.
"Your accomplishments have established a global reputation for excellence; together we will continue to build on that reputation," he added. "I look forward to working with all of you."
DeLaMater, who helped establish and solidify that reputation, relinquished his command and leaves active duty Air Force to serve as a civilian Airman. He is scheduled to be a simulator instructor with the C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
"It's a great honor for me to have served amongst all of you as you have done all that I asked of you as your commander, and far more," DeLaMater said. "Our Japanese brothers and sisters have graciously made us feel as though we live amongst family, and made it possible for Japan to become home. It is because of you that these American Airmen will stand beside their JASDF wingmen and defend Japan as they would defend their own homeland."