Yokota commander reinforces community ties with NACCC

U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, welcomes members of the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils before a mission briefing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 4, 2023. Roddan expressed his gratitude to local leaders for visiting Yokota and underscored the base’s commitment to strengthening relationships with surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroyuki Ishii, Operations Support Wing commander, addresses members of the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils during a conference at the Showakan Hotel in Akishima, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. The Operations Support Wing is the second largest wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and routinely works alongside the 374th Airlift Wing to advance integration between U.S. and Japan forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

Yokota commander reinforces community ties with NACCC

Members of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia perform on stage at a social gathering for the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils at the Showakan Hotel in Akishima, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. The USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia gives an average of 200 performances a year for over 125,000 people in an effort to promote community relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

Yokota commander reinforces community ties with NACCC

Published Oct. 16, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

374th Airlift Wing Commander speaks during a conference — U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, addresses members of the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils during a conference at the Showakan Hotel in Akishima, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. During his remarks, Roddan expressed his gratitude to Masayoshi Muto, Chairman of Fussa City Assembly, and Ikuo Kato, the mayor of Fussa City, and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening partnerships with local leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, at the invitation of Masayoshi Muto, Chairman of Fussa City Assembly, addressed members of the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils during a conference on Oct. 3 at the Showakan Hotel in Akishima, Japan, to thank local leaders for their enduring support.

During his remarks, Roddan expressed his gratitude to both Muto and Ikuo Kato, the mayor of Fussa City, for their friendship and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening partnerships with local leaders.

Roddan also spoke about the current global landscape, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to upholding peace and stability in collaboration with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

A Chairmen of Fussa City Assembly speaks during a conference — Masayoshi Muto, Chairman of Fussa City Assembly, delivers opening remarks during a National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils conference at the Showakan Hotel in Akishima, Japan, Oct. 3, 2023. Muto invited Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, to speak at the event in order to showcase the relationship between Yokota Air Base and its surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

“The 374th Airlift Wing aims to enhance smooth coordination with allies and partners, including the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, through training, exercises, and cultural exchanges,” he said. “We will continue to establish effective communication and coordination mechanisms, working toward peace and stability.”

Concluding his speech, Roddan invited attendees to visit Yokota to learn about the base’s mission. He then joined leaders for a social gathering in the evening, where he introduced the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, an ensemble composed of professional musicians well-versed in both American and Japanese popular music.