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Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroyuki Ishii, Operations Support Wing commander, left, presents a letter of appreciation to U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, during Roddan’s farewell social at Yokota Air Base, June 14, 2024. Ishii presented the letter of appreciation to highlight Roddan’s efforts in strengthening the partnership between Japan and the U.S. during his time as the 374th AW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Brett Cochran, 374th AW deputy commander share a hug during Roddan’s farewell social at Yokota Air Base, June 14, 2024. Roddan spent the last two years serving as the commander of the 374th AW. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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Members of the 374th Airlift Wing pose for a group photo during Col. Andrew Roddan’s farewell social at Yokota Air Base, June 14, 2024. Family, friends, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. military members were all in attendance at the officer’s club to partake in snacks and refreshments while presenting farewell words and gifts to Roddan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, left, is presented with a letter of appreciation from Tomohiko Futamata, North Kanto Defense Bureau director general, right, at Yokota Air Base, June 17, 2024. Roddan was commended for his contributions in strengthening partnerships and trust between Yokota and the surrounding communities during his time as 374th AW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

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The 374th Medical Group gifted Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, a coin display to commemorate his leadership during his two-year tenure at Yokota Air Base, June 14, 2024. Family, friends, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. military members were all in attendance at the Officer’s Club to partake in snacks and refreshments while presenting farewell words and gifts to Roddan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

A fond farewell: Yokota, Japanese community reflect on 374 AW commander

Published June 21, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

The Yokota and Japanese community came together to recognize Col. Andrew Roddan’s work and dedication to the 374th Airlift Wing during his two years as commander with a farewell social, June 14 and a presentation of a letter of appreciation from the North Kanto Defense Bureau, June 17.

Roddan is set to relinquish command of the 374th AW to Col. Richard McElhaney, 36th Contingency Response Group commander, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on July 9.