374th AW welcomes new deputy commander Published July 5, 2023 By Staff Sgt. Ryan Lackey 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. Brett Cochran assumed the role of 374th Airlift Wing deputy commander from Col. Julie Gaulin and spent his first week with Team Yokota’s total force on an immersion tour of Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 26-29. This will be the second time Cochran is stationed at Yokota. He was last assigned here as a C-130H instructor pilot and chief of command post, from 2009-2012, and was a crucial part of Yokota’s response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and ensuing tsunami that devastated Eastern Japan. Cochran’s new role as deputy charges him with assisting the wing commander in the management, training, and facilitating command and control of the Department of Defense’s only airlift wing in the Pacific theater. “I’m pleased to be back at Yokota in this new role,” Cochran said. “As deputy commander, I see a big part of my role as advocacy for units and Airmen hitting roadblocks in accomplishing the mission and impacting our people. I look forward to helping out wherever I can and helping this great team be even better.” Representatives from units across the installation briefed Cochran on the roles they play in support of the 374th AW mission of rapid airlift within the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening ties with partners and allies, and supporting the base and local communities. Immersion tours are a vital part of orienting incoming officials and leaders by providing direct interaction with base resources and units. It creates an opportunity to gain familiarization with team members, learn about unique operational tempos, and address potential hurdles to mission success.