YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, participated in an immersion tour to evaluate the lives of Airmen stationed at Yokota Air Base, the premier airlift hub in the Indo-Pacific region, on July 24, 2023.
During his tour, Rupp engaged with Airmen and squadron commanders to better learn about their living conditions and assess base infrastructure and support systems.
The tour began with a meeting between Rupp and 374th Airlift Wing leaders, where they discussed ongoing and upcoming base construction projects. Rupp then visited various housing facilities across the installation, including the unaccompanied Airman dorms.
Rupp spoke with dorm residents and their dorm leaders to gauge their current needs and identify areas for improvement. He then had lunch with additional Airmen at the Samurai Café Dining Facility, where he took another opportunity to address any questions they had and connect with them on a personal level. During the lunch, Rupp recognized five high-performing Airmen for their dedication and hard work, coining them for their contributions to the Yokota mission.
Completing his tour, Rupp stopped by the Professional Development Center to discuss the Airman Leadership School curriculum with resident instructors. He continued on to view the facilities and learn about the enlisted heritage mementos that were donated to the school by previous graduating classes.
While this is not the first time the USFJ and 5th AF commander visited these facilities and personnel, Rupp took the time and opportunity to update himself on the current living and working conditions of the Airmen and civilians under his charge by engaging directly with them.
As the commander of USFJ and 5th AF, Rupp is responsible for improving the quality of life of 66,000 military and civilian personnel employed by the Department of Defense. His commitment to the well-being of DoD personnel and their families — specifically to those serving in the Indo-Pacific region — is underscored by his immersive visit with the Yokota community.