Commanders host local community leaders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Local Okinawan community leaders, including mayors from Chatan Town and Kadena Town, joined with military commanders here as part of an Honorary Commander orientation tour Sept. 7.

The event was held as a part of the Honorary Commander program, which is designed to build a better relationship and reinforce ties between the U.S. military and local community, said Takako Fukuhara, 18th Wing Public Affairs community relations chief. It also gives unit commanders the opportunity to showcase the 18th Wing's mission.

"The Honorary Commander program is an important program to help strengthen the bonds of friendship and tomodachi," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, during his speech for the event. "We have many military commanders who are new to Okinawa, and this program is a great opportunity for them to not only show our Okinawan hosts about the Air Force, but also for us to learn about the rich culture and community we are fortunate to be a part of."

During the tour, Okinawan leaders caught a glimpse of Kadena's mission through demonstrations by the 18th Civil Engineer Group and 18th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, as well as a showcase of a Kadena F-15C Eagle and Joint Base Langley-Eustis F-22 Raptor on the flightline.

The wing commander told those in attendance that the program wouldn't flourish without further interaction between the local community and base commanders.

"In order for the honorary commander program to be successful, I encourage commanders to invite your honorary commanders to your squadron picnics, awards ceremonies, and other organizational functions or events," Molloy said. "Honorary commanders, I ask that you help us learn the Okinawan culture by inviting your counterpart to events in the community."

The 18th Wing intends to host another Honorary Commander event within the next year.