Change of Command ceremony of 374th Airlift Wing (Yokota AB) was carried out on 19th July.　In ceremony, the commanding authority was solemnly transferred to Colonel John F.Newell from Colonel Scott P.Goodwin in presence of 200 airmen, 210 guests and families.　After entering national flags of United States of America and Japan and playing national anthem of both countries, Lieutenant General Bruce A.Wright, commander of 5th Air Force, praised Col.Goodwin's achievement on his duty in Japan and conferred decoration.　And General introduced Col.Newell to attendants and handed commander's flag to him.　
　　Col.Goodwin finished his 2 years duty in Japan, mentioned "I thank that I could work with splendid subordinate in beautiful Japan for two years and accomplish duty of 374th Airlift Wing, and was satisfied with that I could contribute to stability of Pacific region.　And I am satisfied that I could increase number of friendly association to 4 from 3 as base commander, and am gratified that 132,000 Japanese peoples came to base for friendship summer festival.　These are not completed for one day, and it is gift of steady effort by subordinate.　I hope that I will be able to work again sometime in this Japan eagerly" as greetings of leavings.　His speech was so impressive that all audience sent standing ovation to him.
　　New commander, Col.Newell stated " I feel greatly honor that I arrive at commander post of 374 Airlift Wing with history.　I think that I never neglect my daily effort and train my subordinate units in order to deploy them to anywhere.　Lets work with awareness that each airman is an American representative.　I would like to complete my mission with all in solidarity".　Also he introduced that his family consists of wife and 2 boys, Jack (3 years old) and Ellis(1 year old).
　　After ceremony, we were invited to reception held at officers club.　We could exchange greeting with old and new commanders.　Col.Goodwin's new assignment is J5 staff of JCS at Pentagon.　Vice president Nakatukasa, secretariat Ochi, Enoki, Bandoh and regular member Ishikawa from JAAGA joined to this event.
　　(Reported by secretariat Enoki)

PS : Col. Newell was Air Force aide to the President of United States in the White House for 2 years since Feb.2002.