Kadena welcomes 5th AF command chief

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  On March 9, Chief Master Sgt. Douglas L. McIntyre, 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan command chief, traveled to Okinawa to meet with Airmen stationed here and other locations throughout the island.

During his five day visit, the new command chief talked about his priorities while being the senior enlisted Airman in Japan.

"I feel it's my duty to help develop Airmen while caring for their families, and I think that's where I fit in the most. My other priorities include helping the 5th Air Force commander understand the issues of the enlisted and in-turn, getting his policies and his thoughts out to the enlisted people of the 5th Air Force," McIntyre said.

One of the first things the chief said he noticed here was the pace of Team Kadena's Airmen. "I think the Airmen here have a sense of purpose and know that they're executing a mission that's important to the Pacific and to the defense of our nation," he said.

The chief said he believes Kadena Airmen have what it takes to achieve success in their mission, and he passed on a piece of advice to help Airmen achieve success in their careers

"Two key elements of a successful career in the Air Force are have trust in your leadership and do your very best every day," he said.

Helping Airmen achieve success is not the only goal for the chief. He also wants to foster even closer relationships with the Japanese hosts. Having the experience of being a command chief in the U.S. and overseas gives him an advantage, especially when it comes to engaging with other governments and cultures.

"How you interact and engage with people is key because you don't want to disrespect the host country. Here we have a great opportunity to engage with the Government of Japan and its self-defense forces, who are great friends as well as great allies," McIntyre said.

Before heading back to Yokota, the chief reflected on what he saw in the Airmen during his trip.

"Kadena is one of the busiest if not the busiest base that we have in the whole Air Force, yet I find the morale here very high. That is just a blessing in its own. I'm already looking forward to my next visit," he said.