PACAF command chief visits Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David C. Danford
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Chief Master Sgt. Harold "Buddy" Hutchison, Pacific Air Forces command chief, visited Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 29 to meet with Airmen and discuss current issues.

Hutchison and his wife, Tonya, toured Yokota facilities to gain a better understanding of base capabilities and services while interacting with Airmen face-to-face.

While at Yokota, Hutchison hosted an enlisted all-call where he introduced himself and outlined his priorities as the PACAF command chief.

"I want to get out amongst you; I want to hear what your concerns and frustrations are and about your successes," Hutchison said. "Then, I want to go back to General Robinson and the staff and tell them what you tell me, because that's my job."

After introducing himself to the hangar full of Airmen, Hutchison received questions on a variety of topics including changes to Professional Military Education, the new Enlisted Performance Report system, stratification of Airmen, force reduction and the U.S. Forces Japan curfew.

In addition, Hutchison stressed the importance of Airman resiliency, especially with current Air Force manning plans the smallest in history.

"We're not going to get any bigger, so who's important?" Hutchison asked. "Every single Airmen we have today, and it's about taking care of Airmen."

Hutchison also shared his Air Force story with the crowd, detailing his 28-year service and his progression through the ranks. He ended the all-call with a reminder of the significance of Yokota's role within the pacific theater.

"What you do here in Japan is vitally important to the mission at PACAF and [U.S. Pacific Command]," he said. "The forward projection you provide is important to the region."

Yokota was the first base visited by the command chief as part of his tour of the Asia-Pacific Region.