On 8th July 2003, Colonel Mark O.Schissler, new commander of Yokota AB, arrived at the successor of Brig.Gen. Mark E..Stearns from the Little Rock AFB. in Arkansas, United States.　In the morning, the changing commanding ceremony under LTG. Waskow, the commander of 5th Air Force, was held in presence of members of 374 Airlift Wing, while many guests and families watched in base hangar.　From JAAGA, vice president Itoh and 2 secretariats attended.　As for this ceremony, the old and new base commander and 5th Air Force commander went on the platform, the national flags of the United States and Japan were carried on the platform under the national anthem of both countries under the performance of military band.　Then, Gen.Waskow awarded the decoration medal to Gen. Stearns for leaving the position and introduced Colonel Schissler for arrival duty.　The commander flag were handed to Col. Schissler from Gen. Stearns.　After receiving the reports from subordinate commanders, Col. Schissler specified C-130H as the new commander aircraft.　With tense countenance, new commander explained the audience about the ambition which performs the direction of the 374th Airlift Wing wing which has the longest history in the Pacific Ocean area and showed the expectation of working in Japan and working with JASDF which are rich in the Samurai spirit. The welcome reception was held at the officer club and became the place of quiet commutation with base key persons and guests.　(Reported by secretariat Ochi)

New Commander of Yokota AB.