67th FS honorary commander meets dedicated crew chiefs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Linzmeier
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Kadena Air Base, Japan --  The 67th Fighter Squadron honorary commander joined members from his designated squadron and the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Oct. 19 for a Dedicated Crew Chief Ceremony.

Atsushi Nerome has been the 67th FS honorary commander for eight years. He observed the ceremony to congratulate the Airmen who have been recognized as "designated crew chiefs" or maintenance experts for their respective aircraft, and to interact with Airmen to better understand the 67th FS mission.

"I was looking for this kind of opportunity to express my personal appreciation directly to those who dedicate yourselves daily to defend our country and for global peace and freedom," said Nerome.

During the ceremony, the maintainers swore an oath to take care of their aircraft to the best of their abilities, a commitment aimed to make the aircraft fly as safely as possible.

Like the pilots in the 67th FS, Nerome was designated a call sign. To represent his close connections between the U.S. military community and their Japanese Self-Defense Force counterparts, Nerome chose the name "the Bridge."

"I think my job would be impossible without having close ties to the community like Mr. Nerome," said Lt. Col. Chris McFarland, 67th FS commander. "We're here as guests on a foreign land, so it's important for the locals here to know that we're here to support the cooperative defense of the United States and Japan."

Through the help of honorary commanders like Nerome, local community members are able to better understand the importance of Kadena's mission and it also helps commanders and their units to learn more about the community in which they live.

In the spirit of being an honorary commander, Nerome was presented with a flight suit and a surprise revealing of his name displayed on the 67th FS commander's F-15 Eagle as a token of appreciation for his support for the squadron. His name being printed next to McFarland's symbolized the military and local teamwork that works together to provide peace in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.


"In closing, I pray that you all pay attention to keep flight operations safe and I wish you continued success being the best fighter squadron under Lt. Col. McFarland's leadership," said Nerome. "May the 67th Fighter Squadron roar its fame."