YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Aug. 7 through 10 to get a first-hand look at Yokota Air Base members accomplishing the mission, as part of his first trip as COMPACAF.
During his visit, O'Shaughnessy met with Airmen from across the base during an Airman's call to discuss the strategic role Yokota plays in the region.
“The strength of our alliance with Japan has never been more important,” O'Shaughnessy said. “When we look at the current security situation in the region, the growing dependence on air power to maintain the peace and stability is directly related to both the strength of our Airmen as well as their ability to contribute to the alliance.”
O'Shaughnessy addressed several issues that are important to him, including continued ambassadorship of Airmen to their host nation, Japan.
“The actions of our Airmen can have strategic impact on our vital relationship with Japan,” he said. “As guests in our host nation, I stress to all of our Airmen that the professionalism they show each day must continue both in and out of uniform. Ensuring we maintain a strong alliance will help us to deter and defeat any potential threats.”
O'Shaughnessy mentioned readiness as another important topic.
“Whether it’s humanitarian assistance, disaster relief or a conflict, our Airman are going to be called upon and having our forces prepared to respond to any situation is critically important,” he said. “The threat coming for northeast Asia including North Korea is very real and having our forces ready in Korea is important, but it is equally important for our forces in Japan to be ready to assist them.”
Lastly, the general said he's honored to lead PACAF and expressed his gratitude.
“I thank all of the Airmen who are forward deployed here in Japan, all of which are making sacrifices of being away from home,” O'Shaughnessy said.
During the commander's three-day tour, he visited several Yokota facilities and spoke with key leaders in Japan. He also visited the Japan Air-Self Defense Force Air Defense Command, U.S. Embassy and Japan’s Ministry of Defense.