Ceremonial Event of Independent Day was held at Yokota Air Base on 4 July (Wed.).　Special area for exclusive use of the guests has been prepared at No.15 hanger in past several years.　Event this time is the first big event for Colonel Mark R.August who has just taken up new post, commander of 374th Airlift Wing, on 29 June.　When Col.Feather, former 374AW commander, said "Colonel August, my successor will assume office in month of August" in his farewell party, but Col.August has arrived early.　Col.August came out from the special area with his wife and children, and seemed to get closer to Japanese atmosphere.　I think that the US-Japan interchanging has gotten into new era since the headquarters of Air Defense Command moved to Yokota AB.
(reported by secretariat Bandoh)