On 25th Oct. 2010, the change of command ceremony of US Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force at Yokota Air Base, and Lieutenant General Burton M.Field arrived at the post as the successor to Lieutenant General Rice.
　　The ceremony started at half past 10:30 AM at the 15th hangar of Yokota AB, Parliamentary Secretary of Defense, the Ambassador of USA and Saudi Arabia in Japan, General Oriki (Chief of Staff, Joint Staff), General Hokazono (JASDF Chief) the heads of local governors around Yokota and other distinguished guests participated in the ceremony.　Advisor Takegouchi and Toutake, president Tumagari and several officers of JAAGA were present at this ceremony.
　　After the performance of Japan and United States national anthem and the prayer lead by USAF chaplain, Admiral Robert L.Willard, Commander of PACOM, had the speech as ceremony executive officer.　He indicated "I would like to appreciate all peoples who have established and maintained the relationship between the United States and Japan since Adm.Matthew C.Perry.　And I would like to express the thank to Mrs.Rice's support and the congratulations to Lt.Gen.Rice on his promotion to four star general.　I am sure that new commander, Gen.Field, will more improve the alliance between two nations in the tradition. (outline)".　Then, General Gary L.North, commander of PACAF praised Lt.Gen.Rice for his leadership and achievement, expected for his success in his new assignment, and expressed the hope on Gen. Field's activity.　
　　After then, Adm.Willard conferred a decollation on the achievement of Gen.Rice. 　Gen.Rice said "I'm very happy that I could command the troops under being watched by you all, and would like express the thanks for interchanging and friendship between the peoples who have made effort on US-Japan alliance, ASDFs members and others.　Also I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all members of USFJ.　I think that this alliance is the core of US-Japan ties, will be meaningful for next 50 years.　I will never forget Japanese peoples"(outline).　He added in Japanese "Mata Oaidekiru　Made (Until we meet again.)"　And the last salute to Lt.Gen.Rice was made by the　units under the command.
　　Subsequently the USFJ commander flag and the commander flag of 5AF were returned to Adm.Willard and Gen.North by Lt.Gen.Rice, then those flags were handed to Lt.Gen.Field by them as the inheritance command authority.　After then, Gen.Field stated as new commander "I am very happy because my dream which I have wanted to live in Japan since my childhood comes true.　The alliance between US and Japan is important not only US and Japan for Asia region, I would like to strengthen this alliance.　I will work hard for US and Japan.　Thank you." (outline)　Then the first salute to Lt.Gen.Field was made by the units under the command, and the commander's airplane(F-16) named with Gen.Field was presented for the audience. 　One hour ceremony was ended.
　　After the command change ceremony, the reception was carried out at Yokota Officers Club.　JAAGA members could greet new commander there.
　　General Field was graduated from US Air Force Academy and he is a command fighter pilot with more than 3400 flying hour in F-16, F-22 and others.　Before this assignment in Japan, he worked at Pentagon and it is the first time for him to be assigned in Japan.　His two sons are USAF members.
　　Lt.Gen.Rice is promoted to General and assumes the office as the commander of Air Education and Training Command, Texas.　　(reported by Minamoto)